Flexible working advice

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name changed due to possible outing

I want to put in a flexible working request to my employer (large public sector) for my return from mat leave. I have repeatedly tried to discuss this with my line manager since before Christmas (new due to changes while I've been on leave) and I feel like she's been trying to discourage me and give me incorrect information, eg I can't put in a request til my return from leave (which I know is incorrect).

I bit the bullet and emailed her to say I'd be putting in a request and to let me know if she wanted to discuss. Based on what I know the request isn't unreasonable but obviously I appreciate discussions need to be had.

We spoke on the phone a few hours after and she asked what I was thinking and I said, I felt I was quite calm. She said quite abruptly that there was absolutely no way she would consider it due to other people's working patterns. I found this quite upsetting.

I still haven't made a formal request, but will be meeting with her tomorrow to discuss. Does anyone have any advice on how to approach this given she was so antagonistic towards me and there is a history of incorrect advice/information.

There are other things I haven't been told during my leave and I'm just a bit fed up really but don't want to make things worse. Equally I'm annoyed that I've been a bit too nice and I should have just made the request months ago and I've now missed out while other people have got their requests in.

Make sure you have anticipated her concerns and have a good solution for all of them, which doesn't involve a negative impact on your colleagues.

Don't they have to consider it by law?

Yes they do but I feel like she is trying to discourage me from making the request formally (we have a process) which would trigger formal consideration and potentially turning it down, which would give me the opportunity to appeal. Ideally I'd like to avoid that!

You don’t want to make the request formally? Why on earth not?!

I mean I'd like to avoid it be rejected etc. Obviously my plan is to make a formal application but I'm hoping we can come to an agreement in advance. If she says she won't consider it ultimately I'll tell her she's leaving me little choice I guess.

It sounds to me like it’s clear she’s not going to just agree your request by discussing it advance so I’m not sure what’s to be gained from doing so. Put it in formally, then it will have to be discussed at a meeting, and if she wants to reject it, she will have to come up with good business reasons why.

Thanks, unfortunately I have agreed to meet now and it is quite usual to have an informal meeting in advance. However if she says she absolutely will not discuss or compromise I'll say it's best if we end the meeting and proceed down the formal route.

I'm a bit boggled about all the in advance discussions which don't seem to be helping.
I'd advise you draft your formal request and take that to the next meeting you have and submit it.

I'm also about to go on maternity leave from a large public sector org and will be requesting to condense my hours into 4 days on return. I've not spoken to anyone upfront about it and I don't plan on doing so either.. when it gets closer to me returning I'll just be submitting the form in the formal manner and it can be dealt with in the proper format.

Like a PP has said, I'd do the form now, take it with you and explain that it's what you'll be submitting. If she has concerns then you'll listen to them but you want it all done in accordance with HR policy going forward.

Might be an idea to take someone into the meeting with you to take notes, I used to work in the public sector and learnt a hard lesson in that a manager could not recall a conversation we’d had.

What are you asking for and how does it compare with your hours pre-maternity? Her objections may be completely reasonable, and impact on others is one of the criteria the request can be rejected for.

There are very few criteria that a company can refuse a flexible working application, their reason had to fall into one of the categories and I know in the public sector I work in they have to consider the application formally, they have 28 days to reply to you, if they don't adhere to that the application is formally granted due to their refusal to co-operate. Of they do refuse you can appeal and in their refusal the should state the name of the person who is a grade above them who will consider the appeal.
I wouldn't have a pre meeting aboit this as you are then allowing her more than the 28 days to consider your application.
I would formally submit your application, obtain a copy of the policy for your department, this should list the criteria for refusal,also look on the ACAS website for guidance.
Further, if yoir line manager is refusing to acknowledge you wanting to apply or consider your application correctly, please contact your union if you are part of one

There are 8 grounds, and they’re actually quite wide ranging.

m.acas.org.uk/index.aspx?articleid=1616

Thanks for your advice everyone. I'm asking for a compressed week, and she was unhappy with my 'off' day. However, I was able to speak to the fact that I'd given it some thought, and there would be sufficient cover that day (there is one other person at my grade off that day but our team is far too big to only have one person per day which I think she was hoping for). I appreciate the advice not to meet but that would have probably made things worse, at this point. I think she's realised she handled things badly. That said, it's the formal route now and I've followed up our conversation as an email, to keep everything on the record.