Any NHS HR people here?

[Supermum222]

Hi,
I have almost 20 years NHS history behind me and am at a point where it looks like I may be forced to leave soon.
Usual story...2 children and DH works shifts (incl weekends). Problem...we are moving to another hospital and expected to work shifts covering 8-8 rather than 9-5. No family so totally rely on a childminder until 6pm.
Flexible working request in to work fixed days (I do 3). Have offered to cover late/early shifts around DH (would be plenty of people to swap with).
Weekends/lates/earlies not pro rata!
So, if it came to it and flexi request turned down and I was forced to leave where would I stand?

Increased travel time, to new hospital, and costs are adding to the complications!

You only have the right to ask for flexible working. If they can't accommodate it, they can't.

Could your husband not put in a flexible working request so that he works around you, not the other way around.

If the flexi work request is turned down you can appeal, but you need to have good reasons for appealing or else it will likely just get turned down again at appeal stage. In which case you could apply to a tribunal. But you'd need to demonstrate that the reasons for the refusal were not valid. IME the cards are usually with the employer with flexible working, they have only to show that they have considered your request and declined it on business needs grounds. If it does not fit in around their needs, they are under no obligation to accept it.

I worked for the NHS as a district nurse for over 20 years, and had to leave when new working patterns we're introduced, including working up to 10pm. After a consultation period in which all staff were encouraged to put forward their questions and suggestion (ha), they declined my request for set working days to accommodate childcare, and gave me 6 months notice to find appropriate arrangements. I luckily found work as a practice nurse and left. "The needs of the service come first" I was constantly told.
Good luck.