Changing to fixed hours??

[SarahAJ]

I have worked in a pub kitchen since May 2007. I was full time until I returned to work flexible part-time after have my DD in 2008. Now, with my DS (3) starting nursery in January and my DD having started school, I really need to go to fixed hours (9am-1p four days a week) in order to be there for pick ups etc and to bring sone stability and routine to our family life. My partner is a shift working prison officer who regularly has overtime so I can't always have someone else to do pick ups. Also, if I have to pay for any additional childcare, it would negate my working entirely, which is not an option morally or financially.

My manager said a few months ago that this would not be an issue. Another mum has had a similar arrangement for a while and he also fits other employees hours around college, uni etc.
He is now saying that it might not be possible which to be honest has annoyed me.
Any ideas on where I stand legally? I really enjoy my job, I am never sick or late and have been with the pub longer than the other employees.

If you haven't done so already, you need to put in a formal flexible working request setting out what you want, then your employer needs to consider it properly using a set procedure. Your request can be refused, if your employer is able to give at least one of eight specified business reasons and explain how that applies.

In your request, make sure you clearly set out how you think your request could be accommodated without a negative impact on the business or your colleagues, and if possible, how it would be beneficial to the business.

If your hours are flexible at the moment, presumably that is because your employer needs that flexibility? Make sure you address in your request how you propose that need will be met.

Your manager obviously thinks at present that it might not be possible to give you exactly what you want. You must make sure you can demonstrate how his concerns will be addressed. Also its a good idea to be prepared with some compromises - many flexible working requests that are agreed are actually the result of compromise on both sides.

My hours have been flexible both to fit my partners shifts to avoid childcare costs and to give me flexibility at work so it has worked both ways. I have always helped out at busy periods (such as Christmas, important football matches etc) and have covered sickness where I possibly can due to the help of MIL or my parents.
I am able to compromise as I have just spoken to the nursery who can give me a 5 hour session 3 days a week to accomodate my working. This session will still have to be within school time though so I can pick my DD up on time.
I will definately formulate a written request as advised. Thank you flowery.