Hello,
I really need some help putting together an appeal letter after my request for flexible working was refused.
Basically, I have worked in the same shop for over 10 years always working set days/shifts but recently I have been put on different shift times that my employer knows I cannot do (due to childcare) and have been told that because I work in an airport store I have a fully flexible contract and have to work when required so I have been relying on other staff swapping shifts with me. I was advised by my manager to fill in a flexible working request form-even though I'm not actually asking for a change in my days/hours but just to continue working the hours I have always worked. The rota is being done on a weekly basis meaning I only have 5 days notice for my shifts.
The business reason given is:
The work cannot be reorganised among existing staff; insufficient staff would have a negative impact on our ability to meet our customer demands. Additional staff cannot be recruited which would result in these days being consistently short staffed.
I'm baffled by this as I have done these shifts for a number of years and they have always managed before. My colleagues all understand my situation and are willing to swap shifts with me but I don't think I should have to rely on that week to week.
What makes this even harder on me i recently discovered that my 4 year old has a chronic condition which means that as well as being a single parent I am also her primary carer and need to be home to administer her medication at set times and being forced to change shift times makes this impossible. I have explained all this too them but they saying I am required to be fully flexible.
I would be really grateful if anyone could advise me on how to appeal this decision as I am not able to do what they are asking and feel close to losing my job.
Thank you