Flexible Option given by work is not great...

[Colli9]

Hi, just wondered if anyone knew anything about where you stand with flexible working request. I get the impression you can ask for it but you are at the mercy of your employer.

I have been told I can do 4 days, which is great, but only if I go onto a new contract (which is a longer working day) and effectively be paid less than I was before pro rata. This is my only option unless I go back full time. Seems not very flexible to me! Anyone else in the same boat or can advise on what to do?

Unfortunately your impression is right, as you have no right to have your flexible working request granted. However, your employer has to give you 'business reasons' why not and deal with your request is in a reasonable manner. Why cannot you perform your role on the flexible basis you proposed? Has your employer told you why they consider this is not possible for business reasons, rather than just them not liking the idea of it?

Have a look at the government website here which gives a good basic guide - www.gov.uk/flexible-working/overview

ACAS also have a lot of info and a free helpline - see www.acas.org.uk/flexibleworking

Thanks. That's helpful il contact them. They just said yes you can have flexible days but only on these terms effectively... Which is not flexible at all. Anyway il try acas and see how it goes. Thanks for replying :) xx

Have you formally applied for flexible working and had a formal response from your employer or is this proposal just arising from informal conversations about the subject?

Does seem a bit dodgy. If they can accommodate the change for a new contract, then they can't argue that they can't accommodate the change as a flexible working request surely?