Fighting for my right to work from home - help !

[Metrobaby]

I've been in the fortunate position so far where I have been able to work from home on the odd day in my job. I'm careful not to abuse it and only work from home say if I have to take DD for a Drs appointment, or if I have an appointment etc. This has suited me well as I save on travel time (I work in London) - so am able to make up the time and do a bit extra.

However yesterday when I asked my manager to work from home today I got a rather tetchy email from her, where although she agreed, she said working from home was not generally encouraged and she'd prefer if appointments were made at the beginning or end of the day, and I come in either later/leave earlier. It sounded like my working from home days are over

I've had this new manager this year and always suspected she was not entirely happy with me working from home - although I have no idea why. My old boss (who is also her boss) - had no problem with me working from home. The ironic thing is that I am actually based in a completely different office to her, so I thought the trust was always implied there.

I'm seeing my manager tomorrow, and would like to bring this subject up as I would still like to work from home as it so convienant. Also due to me picking up DD I can't stay later to make up any time should I have appointments. I am also very worried as I was planning to ask for another working from home day next week ..... but don't know whether I should now.

Has anyone got any advice or tips please how I can persuade her or re-assure her about working from home?

[Metrobaby]

Yippeeee -I'm sooooo as I've just had a meeting with my line manager and it looks like I'll be allowed to work from home !!

On Friday I contacted our personnel dept and asked what the official line was on working from home policies. As I suspected they pointed out the DTI regulations and said that I had a right to apply due to my DD. They also pointed out it was in our staff handbook. So this morning when I saw my manager, I decided to be brave and direct. I took my staff handbook and showed her the regulations and told her that there was more info on the DTI website and that she could speak to HR for more info. She said she had no idea about this - hence her initial reluctance, but together we agreed that I could work from home 3 days a month. So I am well chuffed - esp as I am pg (didn't mention that bit to my manager) - so I'll be appreciating the working from home even more so.

Thanks ever so much everyone for all your advice too (and LadyP for the verbal advice too ).

[sis]

Oh Metrobaby, I am really, really pleased to hear the latest developments on this - well done for plucking up the courage to speaking frankly to your manager!

[LadyP]

Anytime, mate , and well done!

[outofpractice]

What a brilliant outcome. Well done.