Flexible working request

[Helpsos12]

I work for the civil service and have requested to drop my hours after maternity leave . I have been asked to come to a meeting and it says I can bring someone with me . Is this necessary ? Has anyone had their flexible working request rejected?

I hate my job with a passion and I am looking else where. I can’t do it 5 days whilst looking after my baby alone as I am so depressed ( I am a single mum aswell ).

Thanks!

Yes they have been rejected. Are you in the tu?

No you don't need to take anyone. If you are in a union it can be useful to take a union rep to make sure they follow the rules

I was offered a meeting but didn’t take it up and was happy for them to discuss without me. I wasn’t too fussed about going back though. They did agree it quite happily. I’m still there 7 years later.

So I would let the meeting worry you; it’s normal to suggest one.

It’s a process giving you an opportunity to discuss. It also allows the business to look at alternatives if they are not able to accommodate exactly what you’ve asked for.
you don’t need to take a TU rep or colleague bit can have one for support as it’s a formal meeting.

Companies can and do reject requests.

Offering you the opportunity to bring a union rep or colleague is standard.

Personally, I'd go to the meeting but not necessarily take someone with me. Only if I felt I needed support or an advocate.

Definitely go to the meeting though. You can have a discussion if they think the arrangement won't work. If you don't go and they have one of the legitimate reasons for refusal then it is more likely to be declined. Then you'll need to go through their appeals process.

They are such a big employer they should be able to find you something part time! But perhaps not the exact same job