Rights at work | Mumsnet

rka2017 · 2023-07-15T11:00:31+00:00

I just want to get opinion regarding this. At my work I asked my manger to leave 5 minutes early in order to catch the train rather than waiting for next train which is 1 hour later. My manger refused my request twice as it’s impossible because certain work has to be done after certain time. In reality work has been done 15 minutes earlier than our finishing time. Where as my colleague comes everyday 5 minutes late due to child care problems who started with me at the same time. Is it unfair treatment or not.

katmarie · 15/07/2023 12:01

It may be unfair but that in itself is not against employment law. Have you submitted a formal flexible working request?

LovingLivingLife · 15/07/2023 12:03

Do you have a staff handbook? In there should be a policy about flexible working. Perhaps you can book some time with HR to discuss what the options could be?

It may be 'unfair' but unless it goes against their policy then they aren't obligated to accommodate your request.

LovingLivingLife · 15/07/2023 12:04

Also perhaps your colleague negotiated the different start time as part of their acceptance of the role? Or if not in advance threated to quit unless they accommodated her? Unfortunately childcare issues are one of those non-negotiables as kids can't be left alone.

Original poster

rka2017 · 15/07/2023 12:09

My colleague didn’t request but after manager raised about continuously lateness to work only she explained her problem. I didn’t request flexible working.

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prh47bridge · 15/07/2023 16:00

Agree with katmarie. It may be unfair, but it is not illegal. Even if you put in a flexible working request, the fact your colleague is allowed to start five minutes late does not mean they have to grant your request to finish five minutes early.

ForeverFriendsAndPierrot · 15/07/2023 16:02

Is this a one off request or are you asking for this for EVERY day?

Quveas · 16/07/2023 07:36

You want to work five minutes less a day? Will you be OK with getting less pay, or are you expecting to still be paid for the five minutes?

orangeleavesinautumn · 16/07/2023 07:38

Can you ask to come in half an hour earlier and leave half an hour earlier? Or something similar

DinnaeFashYersel · 16/07/2023 07:46

Submit a flexible working request in writing following your employer's flexible working policy.

Badbudgeter · 16/07/2023 07:50

I come in 15 minutes late to work every day during term time to my colleagues. I have negotiated a different start time and am not paid for that time. Still people like to comment.

I’ve made a point of saying that my official start time is 9am so actually I am there early, generally walking in at 8:45 so I am at desk with coffee before 9. It could be your colleague isn't paid until the time she arrives.

Original poster

rka2017 · 16/07/2023 10:47

Quveas · 16/07/2023 07:36

You want to work five minutes less a day? Will you be OK with getting less pay, or are you expecting to still be paid for the five minutes?

I am ok with less pay for five minutes. I told them I can even start 15 minutes earlier, I can sacrifice my 15 minutes break everything refused.

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Original poster

rka2017 · 16/07/2023 10:49

Badbudgeter · 16/07/2023 07:50

I come in 15 minutes late to work every day during term time to my colleagues. I have negotiated a different start time and am not paid for that time. Still people like to comment.

I’ve made a point of saying that my official start time is 9am so actually I am there early, generally walking in at 8:45 so I am at desk with coffee before 9. It could be your colleague isn't paid until the time she arrives.

No she get full pay, they don’t deduct money.

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Original poster

rka2017 · 16/07/2023 10:54

It’s not 5 minutes actually my colleague start work 15 minutes later. You can’t start job straight way as soon as clocked in. We all start on time.

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Original poster

rka2017 · 16/07/2023 10:56

Thanks for all your reply. I get that although it’s seems unfair they are not obliged to do that.

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orangeleavesinautumn · 16/07/2023 11:00

It does seem unnecessarily mean, though, and it is an employees market right now. Who is saying no? Are they in an official position to refuse? It seems to me that a small adjustment to make your life easier would reap benefits in goodwill.

I once worked in a school which insisted the TAs stayed on the premises until 4.30 - it was ridiculous. We couldn't even photocopy at that time, as it was peak teachers photocopying time. We couldn't do much in the classrooms as we had to avoid getting in the cleaners way. We then left in the middle of the rush hour and had long journeys home.

The school did eventually unbend and allow us to choose to move our working hours forward, so we arrived and left earlier. It took several requests made formally though

Original poster

rka2017 · 16/07/2023 11:17

orangeleavesinautumn · 16/07/2023 11:00

It does seem unnecessarily mean, though, and it is an employees market right now. Who is saying no? Are they in an official position to refuse? It seems to me that a small adjustment to make your life easier would reap benefits in goodwill.

I once worked in a school which insisted the TAs stayed on the premises until 4.30 - it was ridiculous. We couldn't even photocopy at that time, as it was peak teachers photocopying time. We couldn't do much in the classrooms as we had to avoid getting in the cleaners way. We then left in the middle of the rush hour and had long journeys home.

The school did eventually unbend and allow us to choose to move our working hours forward, so we arrived and left earlier. It took several requests made formally though

It’s from management. It’s a toxic environment. With attitude if you like work otherwise you can leave. If it’s affecting work I wouldn’t ask. Job is done always 15 minutes earlier than finishing time.

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