Flexible working request appeal

[Chery93]

Hi guys, I'm looking for some advice. I put in a flexible working request to reduce my hours and it was subsequently refused by my line manager. I appealed the decision and had my appeal hearing a few days ago. The person conducting the appeal advised that I would have a decision by the end of today at the latest. I have now been advised that I cannot have the decision until my line manager is back from annual leave. Does this sound right?

Thanks

Maybe they need to double check that the info is correct? If they don't know the role well enough don't see how it can be over ruled

did they advise why it was refused? Was this down to the line managers decision? if so they may need to discuss further with the line manager?

Yes, it was my line managers decision to refuse it and the reason that was given was "will have a detrimental effect on performance". I put the appeal in the same day I was given the decision, my line manager met with the person dealing with the appeal the day before I did to give their reasons for refusal etc so.. not sure why I need to wait on my manager coming back, especially when I'm appealing their decision. It's just really frustrating!

Detrimental effect on performance

I guess there's no real room to appeal that though.

Well, it then went on to say that it would be a detrimental impact on performance as they would be unable to backfill my hours..

We are already in desperate need for extra bodies so it doesn't matter if I stay full time, go part time or leave completely, we still need to recruit.

Are you going to be leaving awkward days/hours to fill?

But if they let you reduce your hours, performance will fall won’t it, and it makes more difference if they’re already struggling because there aren’t enough bums on seats.

Regarding waiting for your manager, I don’t see what difference it makes apart from perhaps their wanting to inform all involved parties at the same time perhaps. Why don’t you ask them why they want to wait?

I had the exact same (a year ago) I was extremely stressed waiting for a response which was delayed due to head of department being on holiday (it's that time of year). I literally didn't know if I had a job to go back to as if it wasn't accepted, I couldn't do nursery drop off and pick up. Just hang on in there, mine worked out