Does anyone understand the fathers right to flexible working?

[opinionsrus]

I have looked into this and this is what I think is correct. Am not really too sure on all the ins and outs so please anyone, any advice, or personal experience would be very much appreciated.

From what I gather the father can request for flexible hours, but the company does not have to actually do anything about it, they can consider it and then reject it if so required. They can also "change" your department etc so that you can do different hours, to a less suitable role as they say it does not fit in with the needs of the business.

[poppiesmum]

All parents with a child under 12 I think (older if child is disabled)have the right to apply for family friendly hours. Put your request in writing and the employer has to get back to you within a timeframe to discuss further. They can refuse on the grounds of certain reasons (a past thread had more detail), but they must meet again to discuss.

[helenhismadwife]

Hi

I thought it was only up to the age of 5 but I could be wrong.

www.acas.org.uk has lots of information and 08457 47 47 47 is the helpline number I spoke to them when I wanted to apply for it

hope it helps

[incy]

Doesn't make any difference if you are a mum or dad - anybody has the right to request flexible working if they have a child under 6.
flexible working

You are quite right to say that your employer has the right to turn your request down if there is good reason (bear in mind they may have to justify it at a tribunal). You can only make one appllication for flexible working per year. ACAS would be a good source of advice and there are links on this site as to how to word your letter. I would recommend making suggestions as to how any shortfalls could be covered (eg if you are coming into work a bit later how will your work be covered) and possible benefits from the employers point of view (eg you could make up your hours during the lunchtime allowing a lot more flexibility.)

Basocally, make your application hard for them to justify turning down. OIf you can provide solutions this will help your case.

Good luck.

[UCM]

I think the flexible working rules were a bit rubbish really. You don't actually get the right to HAVE flexible working, just the right to ASK. Any business can come up with a reason to say no if they look hard enough. Not much help I know, but IME lots of people get turned down because their requests don't meet the business needs. It really was a pointless thing to bring out really IMO.

[helenhismadwife]

I agree with you ucm, I applied for flexible working I wanted to work nights sunday, mondays and tuesdays, I had been on nights before my mat leave and those were the nights I normally worked. They said that they would only do it as a temporary measure, this was not a small company this was the nhs and these were really unpopular night shifts!!!

[opinionsrus]

"I think the flexible working rules were a bit rubbish really. You don't actually get the right to HAVE flexible working, just the right to ASK. "

This is exactly what I think too.Although its a large company, dh thinks that they would just turn him down flat, I do too really. What annoys me though is that he will not even ask it says he will be labelled troublemaker, that is what its like there.

Then if you get turned down, you have to go all the way to appeal/tribunal sounds so serious.

On the other hand, my hours were never questioned the standard min is 16 hrs per work and I even got this reduced to 11.

[Jobalus]

But imagine how unsustainable it would be if everyone had the right to have flexible working. Granted it would be nice but I can't imagine it would be particularly workable in the real world. And employers can't just refuse on a whim: they have to justify the reason and the law sets out what those reasons can and can't be.