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change to flexible working?

2 replies

galit · 28/04/2010 09:16

Apologies for another message regarding flexi-time. My employer and I have already agreed it, and it has been in effect for nearly 2 years now. However, the arrangements state that I will be flexible with my time during critical points in the year. During the last critical point, I was asked to work later hours than I normally due, resulting in my husband needing to pick up my child from nursery, as well as drop her off. This means he had to take leave for a shorter working week over a two week period. I was allowed to resume my normal working hours one day a week during this time.

My employer liked this so much that he wanted me to do it again, but now it's for a three week period twice a year, and I'm not allowed any flexibility over those days (ie, if my husband has to work late, I can't cover, so he has to work around me). I have not agreed to this. I have stated that I can do the alternative hours several days a week, but not every day. Alternatively, if he could define the period he wants me more, I may be able to work something else out. He has refused to do so.

He then went on to stating he wanted to test my flexibility on a weekly basis and wants me to tell him what days I'm available to work late each week, and has started setting meetings on the day I work from home regardless of whether they could be accomodated at a different day / time.

As we can't agree, we are discussing the matter with the HR department in the near future. Any advice on how I can make my case? I believe he's being unreasonable, as I have offered alternatives and solutions for his particular concerns (his reasons for wanting me to work the different hours changes each time we discuss it). I'm at a loss now, and not able to find another job very quickly due to the economic situation...

OP posts:
flowerybeanbag · 28/04/2010 09:38

Well, 'flexible with your time' doesn't necessarily mean 'whatever your boss wants', and 'during critical periods of the year' doesn't mean 'every week', so your letter does protect you.

I think you just need to stand firm, reiterate that x are your permanent contractual hours, and that you are prepared to be flexible as far as possible during those critical times of the year, however you are not able to be flexible all the time and change your hours every week, and your contractual hours include one day a week from home, on which you will not be able to attend meetings.

Your flexible working arrangement is permanent, your boss cannot change it without your consent, so stand firm and don't give your consent. You've offered solutions as you've said, and you certainly don't need to do anything more than that.

There seems to be a constant assumption with many employers that because someone's working hours were agreed as the result of a flexible working request, there is an ongoing right for the employer to change them as they need to. That is not the case, hours agreed as a result of a flexible working arrangement are just as permanent and just as difficult to change as full time hours.

DeirdreB · 28/04/2010 14:15

Speak to your HR advisor on your own ASAP, before the discussion between HR, you and your boss. You might find he backs off pretty quickly once HR are aware of the pressure he is putting on you to "test your flexibility" - send any emails in advance and ask that they discuss this with you first, before talking to him.

Sounds like he's taking the term "Flexible" in it's literal sense rather than in terms of the Flexible Working legislation.

This sounds stressful - hope you get it resolved quickly.

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