flexible working query

[Cdouglas]

Hello,

I am just looking for some advice, I recently requested flexible working and requested a Friday off as I have been suffering with a health condition since May and it is really impacting my weekends with my daughter as I am almost bedbound recovering from work!

I had specifically explained the reason was I wanted a day between work and the weekend to recover so it didn’t impact my weekends with her (I’m a single parent and I feel awful not being able to do much with her because I’m so exhausted)

my work have now come back and said they are happy for me to reduce my hours but I can only have a Wednesday or a Thursday off.

the reason they have given is that “most people take Mondays and Fridays as annual leave” but I don’t see why that should have any impact on my flexible working application.

am I being unreasonable challenging this decision on that basis?

If it doesn't work for them as others would be off on that day then they have a valid reason as it affects the business.

You may well find you cope better having the midweek break anyway. Trial it and see.

That's a valid reason to turn down your request

They are telling you that they have too many people taking off on Fridays and the business can’t support any more. Have you seen your GP about your exhaustion?

I went through similar with my junior recently. While you can request flexible working, statutory or otherwise, the request can be denied if there is a valid reason.

Refusing based on people being on AL Friday is a valid reason as you being off may negatively impact business needs to a greater degree than you realise. Unfortunately, they’ve provided a valid reason with, I presume, justification so if you want to challenge, you may lose. I’d take the mid-week option as a compromise. It’s what my junior did and they’re fine. Never 2-days away from a weekend and perform well.

It’s a valid reason, sorry OP.

Wednesday off is a pretty good compromise though, no? Mid week break, only ever have 2 days in a row at work.

Absolutely valid and I don't see how you could challenge it.
Splitting your working week and having a rest in the middle should mean that you feel better at the weekend.

I LOVED having a Wednesday off, 2 days work then day off then 2 days work then 2 off. It was great. I’d agree to trial it if I were you OP.

im now off on a Thursday and I like it. Break the back of 3 days work with a break, then cope with 1 day before the weekend.

i wouldn’t cut your nose off to spite your face

I had it turned down in my last job for the same reason, as it was unfair on those who did work Fridays as it meant the team was always one down on Fridays thus limiting other peoples option for annual leave that day. Would Thurs give you a day to recover, then you've only got to manage one day before the weekend.

Is this a long term health condition? If so have you been to Occupational health to get assessed for reasonable adjustments required at work?

It may help in general to have their backing however generally if it's to better manage a health condition then a midweek day would be recommended. You may find you're not as exhausted by the weekend if you only work 2 days then have a rest day

Thanks so much for all your input! I will go for the Thursday and see how that goes.