how quickly would you expect a response to flexible working request?

[m0therofdragons]

Dh had chat with senior manager as his line Manager was on holiday (I unexpectedly got a new job so we need to sort childcare). Senior manager said dh was completely reasonable and she supported it but his line manager would need to be consulted. This is fair enough but this is the man who takes weeks to authorise a day's holiday and likes bums on seats so dh is expecting a fight - request is to start half an hour later 2 days a week (so finish half an hour later too) so dh can do school and nursery run, then one day from home which is when he is working on an isolated project. He said he will go in to work on the 5 weeks a year his boss is off so he can cover. There is no business reason to deny it but how long would you give before chasing? I start the new job in 3 weeks so need to confirm childcare but this will depend on dh's work pattern! Feeling very frustrated. It's been 3 weeks so far but line manager only found out 2 weeks ago due to his holiday.

I'd start now by asking what the expected timeline for a decision would be, he could phrase it as 'as dw is starting in 3 weeks, we were wondering what the expected time frame for hearing back definitely might be?'. My old job took a couple of weeks to decide (public sector) and 3 more weeks to implement new contact as I was dropping hours.

When I submitted mine I was told I might have to wait 28 days for a consultation meeting. Then it could be up to 14 days from that meeting to know whether it would be accepted. Then I would have 14 days in which to appeal if I wanted and another 14 days from then for the appeal outcome!
As it was, my line manager met with me after about two weeks and was able to give me a decision at the end of the meeting. The company I work for a very family friendly though.
Good luck with your request.

1. Book your childcare to cover for DHs current contract for the first month.
2. Get DH to print out his company policy on making a FWR - it sounds likje he works for a large employer and they need to stick to the guidelines re timescales
3. Civil Service rules are request must be in writing covering all the points listed in our guidance (same ones as in the ACAS guidance) and the employer has to respond either by granting the request or calling the person in to discuss the request. the meeting must take place within 20 days that the employer ( the decision making manager) receives the request unless the employee cannot make the meeting and wishes to extend the timescales.