Another flexible working one

[pizzaqueen]

I need to apply for flexible working. I don't really want to but I've exhausted all other avenues and have no other choice.

My ds starts preschool in January and in our local authority you can only used funded hours at local catchment school (not private daycare nurseries). So the hours are 12-3pm. My dp applied to reduce his hours to be able to do pick up but his request was declined ( ). I've phoned twelve childminders in the area and they are either full or won't take a preschooler for less than ten hours a week, we only need 3 hours. My question is do I give my employer this whole explanation on my application or do I just say the reason is 'to care for ds.'

I currently work 21 hours over three days 8:30-4:30. I'm requesting to compress my hours (still working 21 hours over three days) so I can leave at 2pm one day a week. They already operate a flexitime system, 10-4 being core hours. Any advice on this would be appreciated?

I don't anticipate a problem my employer is generally very flexible and family friendly and a precedent has been set in the past for similar requests. But they've asked I put my request in writing to follow procedure. how much detail do I need to give about impact on the business etc?

[shushpenfold]

.....just be aware that they have to allow you a 30 minute break in the day for this number of hours by law, so if you're just thinking of 'working through' your lunch break, they can ask you to reduce to 6 1/2 hours paid instead. Can't remember how you get around this to be honest...there may be a way but need a personnel manager to confirm it!

[pizzaqueen]

I won't work through lunch I'll still take a half hour break. I need a half hour away from my desk.

I plan to start work early every day and stay a bit later one day to make up the short fall. we work flexitime between 7am and 7pm anyway.

[Jbck]

If core time is 10 till 4 will you be able to leave at 2?

[shushpenfold]

Sorry - misunderstood. I had thought you meant that you couldn't start before 8.30 each day and then would only work until 4.30pm on one day so couldn't work out where the extra time came from!

[pizzaqueen]

The flexitime policy says we can work anytime between 7am and 7pm but core hours being 10am-4pm.

I'm requesting to compress my hours to leave at 2pm one day a week. Some people in the company already work half days so not everyone does the core hours anyway ifyswim.

[BooItTooJulia]

In my experience your written application needs to be all about the business needs being met or that there is a business case to allow you.

The personal reasons for the request are secondary, although some detail does help.

Good luck!