Flexible working request - both of us applying

[StackALee]

Can I just get some input from people who have put in flexible working requests at the same time as a spouse?

My DH and I both work fairly standard hours (Me: 9.30 - 5.30, DH: 8 - 5).

We have decided that when DS starts school (He will be 5) next year we would like to both take the option to request flexible hours. I will ask to start earlier and leave earlier (plus work part of my lunch break) and he will be requesting to drop some hours on some days.

The problem is I understand you can only put one flexible working request in a year? So if I were to put mine in and have it approved but he puts his in and it's denied what are the options open to us then?

Or can we have a consultation with out bosses while thrashing out the changes?

[BillnTedsMostFeministAdventure]

If you have a feel for which company is likely to be less accommodating, discuss and submit that one first?

[JassyRadlett]

Scottish, most decent employers who care about staff retention will consider the circumstances of their employees in the round, rather than as isolated units.

They don't have to, and there are plenty of shit employers out there, but there are also a lot of good ones who see supporting workplace flexibility as an important workplace benefit. I've particularly seen this in management consultancies and big accounting firms, but also other corporates, whose family friendly and flexible working policies leave even the public sector far behind.

[StackALee]

Thanks for your help Scottishmummy.

Thanks Jassy, it's good to hear that it worked out for you. I'm putting a plan on paper for me and DH and probably need to do a bit of what you did and a bit of what MsBug has done and hope for the best for a reasonable workable outcome . We are both tween to cause our employers as little problems as possible because we know it's more likely to be accepted if we do.

Just got to bit the bullet and get the request in nearer the time.

Many thanks.

[StackALee]

Just to add that part of my hope is that both my husband and I can take an equal amount of the strain, financially and the childcare. Rather than one of us making all the changes. It kind of offends my feminist principles knowing that as the mother I am expected to take the knock on my wages/time/career.

DH wants to be equal too.

But we are talking ideal world stuff here and maybe I just need to adjust my expectations.

[BillnTedsMostFeministAdventure]

Don't give up hope of equality - DH and I have pulled it off for years now!

Good luck.

[flowery]

As I said above Stackalee, it would be legal as long as you had at least 20 minutes left, however that doesn't mean your employer will allow it.

[milkysmum]

• I work through my lunch break to allow me to work 30 hours 9-3 over 5 days. I work for a huge organisation- just saying

[scottishmummy]

So long as there is a 20min break for 6hr work period thats ok
If an employer lets employee work without break thats a contravention
Irrespective of whether its done with their knowledge
I hope stack is able to negotiate mutually convenient terms,as it will help her circumstances

[finefatmama]

can i just check this with someone? is it a minimum of a 20 minute break if you work 6hours or if you work over 6hours in which case a 6 hour working day does not need a rest break? currently splitting hairs over this at work.

[TheFairiesAreBack]

I would have thought you should be able to work six hours then leave. Flowery will know.

[HippityHoppityLaLaLa]

To answer the OP's question about submitting one flexible working request per year: it means what is says. If you submit one on 1st August 2014 and it's refused, you would not have the right to have another one considered until 1st August 2015.

I dare say someone will confirm the important date is the date of submission, not the date of decision (refusal). The employer has to make a decision within 3 months of the submission date.

Details on this website.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

As I understand it if you work over 6 hours you need a 20 minute break by law. However, certain work places may have additional rules if you are operating machine or some other work that requires concentration.