Ask for contractual change or not?

[Tweet2tweet]

I'm going to apply to start 1 hr early so I can finish 1 hr earlier. I want this to be a permanent change as I am basing childcare around this. However I was advised by a colleague that asking for a contractual change allows more scope to be told no. Whereas a local agreement means no change to contract. I'm anxious that anything agreed informally can be changed with very little notice. My department has a reputation for changing things a lot when not done officially.

Anyone any advice on this? Thanks.

I would apply as a flexible working request, which has a set procedure and timescales. They will have to give it due consideration and any change agreed will then become a permanent change in your contract, unless they specify a trial period.

Thanks yummum. I didn't realise that by agreeing to a flexible working request it automatically became a contractual change. I thought that you needed to have a new contract issued. This is good news!

I disagree that asking for a contractual change allows more scope to be told no, that's a strange comment.

if you ask properly, in the form of a flexible working request, they have to consider it properly, discuss it with you and if they want to say no, have to come up with good business reasons why. If you just ask for an informal arrangement they don't need to do any of that.

If your employer agrees to the request, they may choose to issue an amended contract to reflect that, or just a letter confirming the change to your contract, it makes no difference.

Last mat leave they just wouldn't reply in writing to my flex work request and said would only accept a local agreement or nothing. I was younger and more naive then! This time I intend to put in request and ask for a written response. When I asked last time they told me that I came across as not trusting them and made me feel bad so I just dropped it.
I don't want to fall out with anyone but really need it this time, due to personal circumstances. Thanks for your advice flowery.