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Original poster

Flexible working request

22 replies

koalabearboombox · 06/03/2024 21:43

I just started a new FTC role - during interview I asked if it could be a 4 day week which was refused. Told that it would be busy and "we often have meetings on Fridays"

From my first couple of weeks I can see that my team is well staffed, I have an extremely capable deputy and there are lots of strong processes in place.

I want to ask again - but not sure how to go about it. I'm wondering whether to wait another few weeks, and also whether I ask for 4.5 days or a 9 day fortnight in case that has more chance of being accepted.

DS is just turned 3 and I have worked 4 days a week since going back after maternity. Finding it quite tough not having that day any more and he is too.

Any tips?

OP posts:
PoundlandColumbo · 06/03/2024 21:46

I think I'd wait at least a few months before asking. Are you in a probation period?

rwalker · 06/03/2024 21:50

Don’t ask you were told a few weeks ago it was a no

DatingDinosaur · 06/03/2024 22:05

Don't ask. You knew it was a full time role when you applied. Reducing your hours is not the same as flexible working.

Opinione · 06/03/2024 22:10

If you're going to make a FW request I would wait until the new legislation comes in in April

www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1856168/new-flexible-working-laws-employers-guide

Figgygal · 06/03/2024 22:13

If you're going to do it wait until April as you don't have right to submit a request at the moment anyway BUT you must already know what the answer will be?

Deathbyfluffy · 06/03/2024 22:13

Why proceed with taking the job if you knew it wouldn’t suit your need for a 4 day week?
Just leave it - you’ve asked, they said no. Find another job if it doesn’t suit you.

waterlellon · 06/03/2024 22:14

DatingDinosaur · 06/03/2024 22:05

Don't ask. You knew it was a full time role when you applied. Reducing your hours is not the same as flexible working.

A 9 day fortnight with condensed hours would be the same number of hours

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 06/03/2024 22:21

You don't currently have the right to submit a flexible working request, you haven't been employed long enough. This changes in April, where you gain that right from day 1 of employment, however you're new to the role and I wouldn't expect the request to be successful so soon after being told no. I would also be conscious you're painting a target on your back by asking again and not taking no for an answer in a short space of time.

Original poster
koalabearboombox · 07/03/2024 21:50

Surprised at the responses here - a couple have rightly pointed out that the flex working request rules change in April, which does include part time working.

I wouldn't be saying I can't do 5 days, but I'd be putting in a request to reduce it (i.e. exercising my right to request that). If they say no, fine. But I think if I can prove I'm able to do the job in 4 days then they'd have to consider that.

I do sometimes despair at the fact I live in a country that is so severely unsupportive of working parents, second only to the US.

OP posts:
PoundlandColumbo · 07/03/2024 22:02

I do sometimes despair at the fact I live in a country that is so severely unsupportive of working parents, second only to the US.

And I'm sure many employers despair at people who apply for a full time job only to ask at interview if they can do part time instead. And then when they've been told "no", they ask again a couple of weeks after starting the job.

I'd be irritated if I was your employer. It looks like this was your plan all along. Accept the job then try to force them to let you do it part time.

TheHangryAzureBird · 07/03/2024 22:06

PoundlandColumbo · 07/03/2024 22:02

I do sometimes despair at the fact I live in a country that is so severely unsupportive of working parents, second only to the US.

And I'm sure many employers despair at people who apply for a full time job only to ask at interview if they can do part time instead. And then when they've been told "no", they ask again a couple of weeks after starting the job.

I'd be irritated if I was your employer. It looks like this was your plan all along. Accept the job then try to force them to let you do it part time.

And it just makes it harder for women in the workplace as next time, they will choose the candidate who is less likely to want flexible working, which will most likely be a man.

ExPostFacto · 07/03/2024 22:11

koalabearboombox · 07/03/2024 21:50

Surprised at the responses here - a couple have rightly pointed out that the flex working request rules change in April, which does include part time working.

I wouldn't be saying I can't do 5 days, but I'd be putting in a request to reduce it (i.e. exercising my right to request that). If they say no, fine. But I think if I can prove I'm able to do the job in 4 days then they'd have to consider that.

I do sometimes despair at the fact I live in a country that is so severely unsupportive of working parents, second only to the US.

You've lived a very sheltered life if you think the UK is 'second' to the US, maybe try talking to people in places like Singapore, Japan and South Korea who work 12+ hour days.

You accepted the job knowing what it would entail. You've only been there 2 weeks. Now, if what you say is true, you'll be able to build a strong business case for requesting a 4 day work week. But wait until you've been fully understood the lay of the land!

Support for working parents involves things like flexible start/finish times, being understanding of children's' illnesses etc but it doesn't mean they have to give you a part-time role. It's extremely difficult to find cover for a day. And your deputy isn't paid to do your job regularly, you are. As a leader it's up to you to present your case in a way that makes business sense.

Honestly my bosses always advised me to do 3 days a week or FT, never 4, and this is the reason why.

Startingagainandagain · 07/03/2024 22:14

Why did you take the job?

They made it clear it was a full time one and already said no to flexible working.

I am only interested in working part-time and therefore I only apply for roles that are advertised as part-time. It avoids wasting everyone's time on both sides...

ICouldHaveCheckedFirst · 07/03/2024 22:14

"From my first couple of weeks I can see that my team is well staffed, I have an extremely capable deputy and there are lots of strong processes in place."

Don't assume the workload will be like this every week, you've only been there a couple of weeks. Do you know if anyone else works 9-day fortnights, compressed hours etc? If so, go and have a chat - is their role similar to yours, are their circumstances similar? Maybe across the organisation it's not considered normal, or maybe it varies depending on your department - or even who your line manager is (I have seen this happen - it caused great resentment!). Also, some places it's first come, first served and you may be too late. Check the organisation's policies, have a chat with HR about the culture before you ask again. It goes without saying that first you should excel at your role.

CrispsandCheeseSandwich · 07/03/2024 22:18

Told that it would be busy and "we often have meetings on Fridays"

Does it need to be a Friday?

I wouldn't ask now when you've just started and so were told no pretty recently. But when you ask again you can use the information you didn't have before (like how the business works and what the role is like day to day) to make your case. And maybe don't ask for Friday to be your off day.

KK05 · 07/03/2024 23:48

As a manager the answer at this stage would still be a no. I would also be wondering about continuing your probation.

It's not about being unreasonable it's about you asking for it at interview and being told no then a matter of weeks later having the same request.

It would make more sense for you to stay in the job for a bit longer and make yourself a case for why/how it will work. Give yourself until the end of your probation period or as close as you canq. I would be interested at that stage to hear your thoughts. Also be open to negotiating, offer longer hours when you are in work, still work 5 days but maybe offer 2/3 longer days to allow early finishes?

It's also not unreasonable to say I'm sorry it's not working out for me and for you to leave and find something that suits.

Not sure about the new laws from April but I know even with the longest most loyal staff flexible working requests don't have to be met I would do my best though and it may mean negotiation.

Luckycloverz · 08/03/2024 00:34

PoundlandColumbo · 07/03/2024 22:02

I do sometimes despair at the fact I live in a country that is so severely unsupportive of working parents, second only to the US.

And I'm sure many employers despair at people who apply for a full time job only to ask at interview if they can do part time instead. And then when they've been told "no", they ask again a couple of weeks after starting the job.

I'd be irritated if I was your employer. It looks like this was your plan all along. Accept the job then try to force them to let you do it part time.

This exactly.

majorkira · 08/03/2024 05:46

Proceed with caution
They may think you are hard work and cut you loose which they can do and you might be stuffed

MyGooseisTotallyLoose · 08/03/2024 05:54

From my first couple of weeks I can see that my team is well staffed, I have an extremely capable deputy and there are lots of strong processes in place.
Is this not an argument for your deputy to have your job?

Crazycrazylady · 08/03/2024 09:20

Do but ask again so soon . Seriously that's toddler like behaviour

Go in and prove yourself. Do an amazing job , pass your probation and after you've become invaluable to them, ask again!

Mary7241 · 09/03/2024 22:05

Ask again in a couple of months under the new regs.

to those who say just go for PT roles - there just aren’t enough! And often it’s a bit of a lack of creativity on employers’ part; the default is FT and standard hours. It’s ok to have a conversation about it. OP I’d just make sure that conv is different eg what hours would work for the business as well as you

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