What to write on flexible work request for DH

[fairgame84]

DH currently works early's week 1 and lates week 2. I'm on mat leave and when I go back to work we need DH to work days so he can do the nursery run for DD. He asked his boss but they have asked him to request it in writing.

What do we need to include or do we just put that it's due to childcare reasons?
I'm a nurse and work long days so can't do the nursery run, do we need to include this information in the letter?

@fairgame84 I'd like to think that it will be pushed through at some point early this year. This link might be helpful

realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk/2022/12/08/changes-to-flexible-working-rights-announced/

In the meantime this acas link has all the details of what to include and also a template

www.acas.org.uk/making-a-flexible-working-request/how-to-make-a-flexible-working-request

Your job role, inflexibility with your shifts and lack of family support are nothing to do with DH's job- they don't need to know this!

I agree with looking at ACAS. I know its about HIS job, but the RCN website 'might' also have wording to help write the letter too.

Also- don't think that 12hr shifts are the ONLY nursing jobs around forever more. There are certainly options available for mon-fri and 'normal' hours in various nursing roles- both NHS, civil service and private.

No they are different days each week, including nights and weekends.
I suggested he just do days on my work days and his usual shifts on the other days but he said that would be worse for the company.

I can't do day shifts because we need my enhancements. Also I'm a paeds nurse and day shifts in paeds are generally in outpatients and are few and far between.
I like my job and I don't want to work anywhere like outpatients or school nursing. I did school nursing years ago and hated it.
DH isn't bothered about his job and its low pay so it makes sense for him to change.

''@Bw23
As above, it’s not about the reasons why you need it but about how it will benefit the business''.

No. This advice is not correct.

You need to both include why you are requesting the change and why you think it won't affect your ability to do your job/the business.

Some people request flexible working for all kinds of reasons such as health conditions/disability, having to fit in hospital treatment if you have just been diagnosed with a sudden illness (cancer), caring responsibilities, returning form maternity leave and so on.

So of course your employers needs to know why you are asking for flexible working all of the sudden so they can assess the request with a clear understanding of why it has been made.

Also you need to make clear your reasons for the request from the start because it could be that you could end up with a claim for direct or indirect discrimination if it is refused. For example if a company refused point blank any request from men for flexible working to care for children or relatives for but agreed to requests from women for the same reasons then that would be discriminatory.