Page 2 | Flexible working policy change

PetloverGal · 2025-05-15T07:06:37+00:00

Hi all, Does anyone here work for a company that offers flexible working with the core hours of 10-4? I had an agreement (verbal) that when I was hired that I could do 8-4 with the ability to work on the train from 8 (my commute is 2.5 hrs) I’m now told that I will no longer be able to do this and have to be physically present in the office at 8am. Thoughts? Based on this should I submit a flexible working request, even though they offer it? Everyone leaves the office at 4 so seems odd that I have to be physically present if I did 9:30 to 5:30?!

Hrunf · 15/05/2025 13:58

It doesn’t matter whether other employers offer this or whether people on an internet forum think it’s fair. If it was agreed at the outset, even if only verbally, and you have been working like this, then it is a contractual term and they can’t just change it.

Loopytiles · 15/05/2025 14:23

Yes they can

sakuraspring · 15/05/2025 14:25

Hrunf · 15/05/2025 13:58

It doesn’t matter whether other employers offer this or whether people on an internet forum think it’s fair. If it was agreed at the outset, even if only verbally, and you have been working like this, then it is a contractual term and they can’t just change it.

They absolutely can.

Ireallywantadoughnut36 · 15/05/2025 14:26

How long have you been doing the previous way of working, and do you have any evidence of it being agreed....
Commuting time wouldn't normally be classed as working time so they're not wrong. However, if something is custom and practice, eg you've done it forever and it's always been that way, then it can be considered contractual and so they need to consult with you if they wish to change this.
Honestly though, even if they consult with you, if this is what they want it isn't a wild request and most people accept that their commute isn't work time. Get an earlier train and read a book or use it for something personal and find a job closer to home would be my advice if possible. Or you could put in a flexible working request but they could reject this for the same reason they want you in the office at 8am...

sakuraspring · 15/05/2025 14:29

Ireallywantadoughnut36 · 15/05/2025 14:26

How long have you been doing the previous way of working, and do you have any evidence of it being agreed....
Commuting time wouldn't normally be classed as working time so they're not wrong. However, if something is custom and practice, eg you've done it forever and it's always been that way, then it can be considered contractual and so they need to consult with you if they wish to change this.
Honestly though, even if they consult with you, if this is what they want it isn't a wild request and most people accept that their commute isn't work time. Get an earlier train and read a book or use it for something personal and find a job closer to home would be my advice if possible. Or you could put in a flexible working request but they could reject this for the same reason they want you in the office at 8am...

Agree, even if op can prove it is customary for her etc she would be very hard pushed to find a tribunal that wouldn't side with her employer pulling the plug on such an arrangement

PurpleThistle7 · 15/05/2025 15:18

At my workplace unless it's formalised it's not real. It's why i ensure I put everything on the proper footing - for both myself and my staff. Informal arrangement don't mean anything.

Bodonka · 15/05/2025 15:25

I would assume it’s the commute part they have an issue with too. Everyone will be commuting to the office, and presumably there’d be a huge dip in productivity if they allowed this with everyone.

I work on the commute the odd time I go into the office, but I’m judged on output and the company chooses to consciously not monitor people’s time (and it works well for them, on average we do more than 40 hours with the flexibility) ~ but even if there are no train issues, I get a seat with a table AND there’s decent WiFi, I still get way less done than I would in an office.