Flexible working agreement cancelled

[Eileithyia]

My employer has cancelled my previously agreed flexible working arrangement because I am now pregnant again. This leaves me completely stuck for childcare. Is this acceptable?

What was their excuse for cancelling? i didnt know you could just canel out of the blue, there has to be a very good reason if so

Ring ACAS for advice

Is this an arrangement that was already in place? Once a flexible working request is agreed it is a permanent change to your terms and conditions unless there is a specific trial period agreed by both parties. The employer can't 'cancel' it any more than they can change anyone's terms and conditions without discussion and consent.

Besides that, what does the fact that you happen to be pregnant have to do with anything? As well as the fact that flexible working arrangements are permanent, if they are trying to treat you less favourably because you are pregnant that sounds like discrimination as well.

Excuse for cancelling is my "altered circumstances" ie new pregnancy. Was not a permanent arrangement but a short-term one to help me ease back into work (a permanent arrangement was deemed to be "setting a precedent" - heaven forbid!) and I can't find any internet references to this. Will try ACAS though. Just feel so stressed - the new baby was not exactly in the game-plan and now this work stress. Thanks for tips.

It sounds discriminatory if the reason is because of your pregnancy, have they said this in writing?

Is there someone who is reasonable at your workplace who you can talk to to try and get things back on track? so as to avoid a grievance and it all getting litigious.

If not, depending on what you want the outcome to be, I am assuming you want things back to normal and to keep your job? you could try mediation. Sometimes the EHRC will provide mediation, at no charge, in this type of situation pre even a grievance or Working Families may be able to arrange free of charge, the latter might be your best bet to speak to as they have a lot of expertise in flexible working.

I do hope it sorts out for you, not at all nice to endure this while you are pregnant.

I don't think they can change your working arrangement when you're pregnant without your consent. here?

They cannot cancel your flexible working agreement for any reason but certainly not because you are pregnant!

Once the agreement has been put in place, it becomes a formal, legal, permanent part of your contract. )Unless for example it states 'to be implimented until x month 2009, in which case it might be that it terminates then).

For example, i reduced my working hours to 32 hours under flexible working arrangements. These are now my permanent contracted hours. I can of course apply to reduce these further, or increase them back up to full time, but it would be through a formal request by me to make a new flexible working agreement.

It is very clear and very overt sex discrimination on the grounds of being pregnant. Put that in writing ASAP. It is for them to prove it is not. Which they cannot do!

Are you a member of a union? If not, seek legal advice asap. I would suggest trying your home insurance to see if you have any legal cover. Lots of policies do.

Sorry, should have realised flowerybeanbag would have already responded! That will teach me for not reading through! Flowery is the one who knows for sure. She is absolutely correct.