What to do about unfair flexible working policy

[Allthecoloursoftherainbow]

On return from mat leave I requested condensed hours (5 days in 4) my manager and HR were supportive but 'the business' said no on the basis that they were reviewing ways of working and no more condensed hours were allowed until the outcome.

I'm led to believe that the outcome was 'no condensed hours' but my manager who was already on them is allowed to stay on them. Do you think this is fair? Should I demand they treat me equally to her? Or the alternative is they say she can't either which won't be great for our working relationship.

It's just pissed me off because I've had to take a 20% pay cut and she hasn't, when it's a job that can easily be done in condensed hours.

Unfair as it may seem, flexible requests like this do tend to be on a 'first come, first served' basis. At the time they granted her condensed hours, they could accommodate it. At the time you requested condensed hours, they couldn't accommodate it. You cannot force them to review what they have granted her (they can choose to do so, but you cannot force their hand).

As PP said, each deision would be made at the time and based on the cirumstances at the time.

You didn't 'have' to take a pay cut, that was your choice. You need to separate your feelings on that withbthe flexible working request. I would ask for dates when they would be willing to review condensed hours again

Agree with PP. Also you can’t really be annoyed she’s not taken a “pay cut”, she’s still working the same amount of hours?

It's just pissed me off because I've had to take a 20% pay cut and she hasn't you haven't had to though? You could have kept your original hours?

Seems unfair at first glance but is it that you and your manager do different jobs and the company feels yours is a 5 day role?

You need to evidence that your hours can be condensed with no detriment to the business. Comparing yourself to your manager won't work, because she does a different job. You also need to ask them when the 'review' period will end - as they shouldn't be using this to fob you off indefinitely.

Can’t see anything unfair about this I’m afraid. FW requests are first come, first served and a potential reorganisation is a valid reason to refuse a request. If I were you I would have bided my time on my normal hours and waited for the results of the review.

I'm on condensed hours because I negotiated them into my contract prior to being moved onto my team as part of a reorganisation.

No one else on my team is permitted to do condensed hours.

There are contract perks that other team members negotiated as part of their move in the reorg that I don't have.

That's just the way business works - people who get in there first/have been there longer will probably have enviable conditions in their contract that you don't...I promise you though - the company holds people over the barrel with them. I can't apply for promotion because my contract will change and I can't currently afford to lose my condensed hours. Same for a few of my colleagues who will lose their perks that are currently much needed.

The only chance you have here is to appeal and provide a business case for how condensed hours will benefit the business. Use whatever metrics apply - including if serious the loss of your experience because you'll be seeking a more suitable opportunity elsewhere. Best of luck.