Can anyone give me a link to flexible working guidelines/legislation please? And a question about my request...

[Hopefully]

I'm just composing my flexible working request for my return to work, and I've heard on the grapevine that my company are rejecting requests on extremely flimsy grounds, possibly without following proper procedure if they can get away with it (all very 3rd hand rumours, but want to be prepared!)

I was just thinking that if I had a copy of the 'official' guidance for employers regarding parents requesting flexible working, I can make my application as watertight as humanly possible, and make sure that everything is done by the book.

Also, my job has 2 parts, one which takes up approx 3 weeks out of 4, and one which takes up the remaining week. While my employers have employed cover for the 3 weeks work while I'm on maternity leave, they haven't bothered to cover the extra week (it was apparent before I went on leave that the team was big enough to cover this week without needing extra manpower).
I'm planning on basically asking to reduce my job to just the 3 weeks work, with appropriate pay reduction - can I use the fact that they have set a precedent (not covering the 4th week) to support my application? Or is that a stupid idea?

Thanks very much!

You could start here

I think that they would find it hard to say they had a business need for you to do that work in the 4th week if nobody has been needed to cover it. Not an expert though

Hopefully, would be interested to hear how you get on as I am in a similar position.

Originally I emailed my HR people to ask about working part-time instead and they responded saying there are currently no part-time openings! They are walking into a sex discrimination case IMO! I am not looking for an opening, as I am already employed!

They legally have to seriously consider offering you flexible hours unless there is a very good reason for them not to and it doesn't sound like in your case they do, as Benny said.

Anyway I decided to ditch email as it's too informal and they are not following procedures properly so have just sent them a letter as from now on I want it all in writing by post. Next step is for them to offer to discuss it with you in person within 28 days of your request (unless you are lucky and they just agree with your terms) and if they don't do that they are breaking the law in my understanding.

Humph though, I can't be bothered to get into a fight about it all though, I just want to go back to work FFS!

Good luck anyway

Thanks for the link BennyAndJoon, looks like just what I'm after.

Flumpkin sounds like your employers are almost as useful as mine! My boss recently rejected an informal flexible working application by email while she was working from home. So I am doing nothing informally - everything is happening in writing and by the book, so at least they are obliged to give it proper consideration.
I'll update on how my request goes!

Hopefully, I think you should include the information about how your work has been covered while you were on mat leave as part of your flexible working application. If you look at the link Benny and Joon has attached there is some excellent information on there to assist you in putting together a business case.

I would be happy to have a look at anything you have drafted if you want a second opinion. Btw I'm not an HR professional but have many years management experience plus was a trade union rep in a previous life! HTH