Flexible working arrangement.

[Greedy7]

Hi I have a flexible working arrangement with my employee to work 2 days a week 12pm until 9pm. This week I have looked at my hours only to see that one of my days has been changed to 12-5. I have not been asked or told about this. In the employee handbook it states that hours can vary upon the needs of the business. Can my employer do this to me? I have been told it will just be for this week but I am a single mother and four hours work is a lot especially when I have to be on a certain amount of hours due to tax credits. Any advice but be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

How long have you been working there and following the 12:00-21:00 pattern? And is this the first and only time it has been varied? If something has been the standard custom and practice for a long period you do acquire the right to expect that to continue in the same way. However in practice an employer can still make changes according to the business need but they have to do a consultation first if the previous custom and practice went on for long enough to count. I don't think (but I am not an expert) that there is a rigid definition of what that period should be, I think it is a woolly "would a reasonable person think this is the case) rather than a strict definition.

I have worked there for 11 years I have been on this flexible working agreement for 9 months there was a trial period of 6 months which has ended. Apparently a flexible working arrangement forms a permanent part of your contract.

Is the section of the handbook which says 'hours can vary' part of your terms and conditions or just a non-contractual policy?

is there anything similar in your contract or in any letter confirming your working hours?

Has that policy been exercised previously?

How does this vary your flexibility though - you are starting at your usual time and not being asked to stay late or work another day. I think the issue is whether they can reduce your overall hours worked not the flexible working agreement.