Flexible working

[NbCH25]

I have just recently had my first baby and will be returning to my job in 2026. However I would like to reduce my hours but I’m worried I will be refused. Other members of my team work part time but recently a girl who returned from maternity leave was told she cannot reduce her hours. Is this ok for them to do? To have some people working part time but refuse others? Even when their job role is exactly the same.

Yes it is. Each request is decided on merit and whilst one can be authorised another can be denied

Yes - it depends on the circumstances and business review of your application at the point you make it and how the rest of the business is at that point. That can mean that it is entirely reasonable for it to be refused on business grounds, others being part time already cannot be relied on unfortunately and can actually be a genuine reason for refusal. There is no right to flexible working itself and what/how that looks like, the right is to making the request only.

Yes
Each is looked at on its own merits
In fact it might be more difficult to get flexible hours if other people in the team have it

Read the guidelines in your staff handbook and submit your request

Of course it is. The business need is to make sure that they have consistent staffing in place for all the times they need it. The fact that they have lots of part time staff means having at least some full timers who have the view of the big picture may be more important - it depends on the type of job.

Yes it's based on each individual request and decisions based on business need not employee need.

Guidance here.

https://www.acas.org.uk/flexible-working

Yes decisions are based on business needs. You have the right to request it but not a right to be granted it.

The biggest issue with most employers is flexible working arrangements being given historically with less long term thoughts being given to the long term prospects.

Similarly there is also a personal accountability for what lifestyle you feel most favourable and how you achieve that . To continue full time and look out for part time vacancies is probably your best option.

Also would suggest employers need to be more proactive with regular review of flexible working arrangements and FTE in posts.
eg is hiring one new FT employee justifiable to allow two existing staff to reduce their hours and cover a post full time as a ‘job share’ type arrangement.

Review of existing arrangements and needs of younger staff or those who are just starting families need properly evaluate.
Some requests can be blocked by those with long term arrangements that aren’t really essential any more (eg reduction in hours given around nursery school hours but that ‘child’ is now in university 😂

My advice is submit a formal flexible working application ASAP. You will have time to look for another job if they refuse.