Do flexible working requests need financial motivation?

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Just that really - do you need to prove that not being granted flexibility would not be financially viable?

I'm in the position where, if I am not granted flexibility, my net salary would cover childcare costs but it would mean I wouldn't be able to cover all my current outgoings and I would be working such long hours that I wouldn't see my DS during the week. However my employer doesn't accept that there is a reasonable financial motivation behind my request and has said he thinks the issue is that I'm not ready to come back to work and to leave my DS (yes - he actually said this to me, along with the fact he had discussed my flexible working request with his wife in order to get a woman's perspective!!).

Why would your employer care about your personal household finances?

A flexible working request should be about the business and how you can do your job in fewer hours therefore retaining your experience while costing the business less overall.

I thought that was the case badguider but my employer has dealt with my request in an appalling fashion. It seems that they have not given my request any serious consideration, on the basis that they can just turn me down and I will return to work on my original hours, so I have felt pressured into justifying the reasons behind my request in an effort to get them to properly consider it.

Your employer must give your request proper consideration and, if they refuse your request, they can only do so on one or more of a number of permitted business grounds. They should also explain why those grounds have been applied.

There's more information about making a statutory request here: www.gov.uk/flexible-working
There is no requirement for you to include proof that no-one else can care for your DC.

Likewise, your employer can't refuse your request on the basis that they think you just don't want to return on a full-time basis.

Hth

And your financial affairs are none of your employer's business.

I've re-read your OP and feeling really cross on your behalf.

Thanks KC. The whole procedure has dragged out over months and has, unfortunately, really overshadowed my maternity leave and caused me a great deal of stress. It's been horrible really. And the most frustrating thing is that I know I could easily do my job with the flexibility I've asked for without any detrimental effect but I think my direct boss is just of the opinion that now I'm a mother I'll be more trouble than I'm worth. I've got to the point where I think I'll be left with no choice but to resign, which is incredibly upsetting given that I know I'm really good at my job and have exhibited nothing but hard work and dedication the whole time I've worked there.

Gah! Please excuse my venting

Completely agree with you. And vent away.

My employer is no different. I was forced to resign. I've lodged a claim with the Employment Tribunal for unfair constructive dismissal and indirect sex discrimination.

But it's overshadowed my maternity leave too. I first made my request in May and finally had my appeal rejected in September, at which point I resigned. Then I lodged the claim and my solicitor served a questionnaire under the Equality Act. Since then I've been looking for work. Coupling that with looking after 9 month old twins has been exhausting. I had a job interview a couple of weeks ago and the feedback was that they got the feeling "my head wasn't in the right place". It's so hard to apply for jobs and prepare for interviews. And because I'm not earning at the moment we can't afford to pay for childcare to give me preparation time. I have to demonstrate to the ET that I'm actively seeking work, which I am but I feel caught between a rock and a hard place. So I totally understand how you're feeling!