Is this a flexible working request? I’m confused

[Havanawinter]

I work 3 days a week. On two of the days DS is in nursery and on the other day DH finishes work at lunch time and I start at 1pm, for childcare purposes. However DH’s work have told him he will need to change the day he finishes early, which obviously directly affects my ability to work on that day too. I’d like to submit a request to change one of my working days to accommodate this change, but I have already submitted a flexible working request (which was accepted) within the last 12 months.

I would only be changing the day I work, I would still work the same hours.

Would such a request constitute a flexible working request or is it another type of request that I’m missing?

Yes it is a FWR but as always the starting point is an informal conversation, I believe the law has now changed to state you can submit more than one in a 12 month period, however, your employer's do not HAVE to consider the subsequent request(s)

Although that could depend on your contract but for most the above will apply

Thank you @Whyareblokesonhere unfortunately my line manager is not an “informal chat” kind of person. He will just tell me to submit a request without giving any indication of how likely it is to succeed. I didn’t realise the law had changed, I will have to read up on that, thanks.

Will it affect your colleagues if you change your day- ie will they also have to change? If not its
more likely to be grantee.

@ThingsChristmasJumper no, not at all. My team is just me and one other person who works mon-fri 9-5. I currently work Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and I would need to change this to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I only work the Thursday late shift because that was the only day my DH was allowed to finish at lunch time, not for any business reason on my side. I actually think working 3 consecutive days would benefit both myself and the company; I often feel like I get into the swing of things on a Monday, only to have a day off immediately. It makes my week feel disjointed.

I would mention that in the request too if you think it would make things better.

For clarity, the law hasn't changed. There has never been anything to stop you making as many requests for changing hours, etc. as you want. However, only the first such request in any 12-month period is regarded as a flexible working request that gives you the right to take your employer to tribunal if they don't handle it in a reasonable manner.

Technically it is a flexible working request. I think as it's just a change of days it will be ok. There's no change to hours etc. I'd speak to ur manager first as they might not require you to fill one in.

Our policies were updated in the last few years and it was stated to us this was following a 'change in legislation' so apologies as it appears I have got that part wrong, thanks for the correction

@Havanawinter yes it’s a flexible working request. Set out the change you want and the benefits for the business.

I would phrase it as “great news - I’m now able to move to working 3 consecutive days - which is going to be so much better for the business”

Where I work it wouldn't be. Its only if you want to change your hours. They don't make you do one for a change of day. I'd ask HR if I were you.