Flexible Working Request

[SarahandImogen]

Can anyone tell me when their requests for flexible working were submitted to / agreed by their employers? I applied in writing before I went on Maternity Leave in August & was told that a decision couldn't be made as my Manager didn't know what the business requirements would be more than 12 months hence. I emailed my HR dept & my Manager last week & asked whether they could reconsider my application. They said they still weren't in a position to know what the business requirements would be when I return on sept 1st as it was still 6 months away. I have spoken to ACAS & apparently all this is legal as they haven't refused my request. Am i wrong in thinking I am being treated unfairly? I am on 3 waiting lists for a nursery space & am hopefull to be offered a space at the end of March, though i know they will want to know which days I want or if I need full time. Any info greatly appreciated.

[Monkeybird]

Dunno about when they ought to reply but I would think 3-4 months before your return is reasonable and fair... guess it depends what kind of business it is?

You could always apply for a fulltime nursery place and drop days later? It's what people in the know seem to do since it's rarely possible to add in days later. I know it's not especially fair on the nursery but then they are taking large amounts of your salary for this. In fact my nursery suggested it to me as a strategy until I knew which days I would need...

[SarahandImogen]

Thanks Monkeybird. I don't know anyone else who has applied for flexi hours so had no idea what the usual time scale was. Yes, I have applied for full time places but I let the Nursery Managers know that it may be part time as I felt i really would be informed either way by the end of March. I work for a Media Company but as a Facilities Manager (office moves,refurbishment, building security, cleaning etc) & our financial year runs from January to December so all budgets should already have been agreed for the year, including my salary, as well as any projects or large office moves. So i guess I just saw no reason why they couldn't give me an answer.

[flowerybeanbag]

Sarahandimogen have you asked for a date when your request will be considered? What timescale have they said is reasonable?

[SarahandImogen]

They sent me a letter after our first meeting in June 07 to say that we agreed to postpone a decision about flexible working until "nearer the time". i had said at that meeting that I didn't think this was practical for me as I needed to make childcare arrangements, so when i recieved the letter saying we had all agreed I sent a letter back saying that i hadn't agreed to postponing the decision but had been told that this was what was happening anyway, despite my objections. we then had another meeting where it was reitereated, that though they understood my childcare problems, theywere unable to make a decision that far in advance before. In repsonse to my recent email they replied that they wouldn't be able to give me an answer until "nearer the time". I feel that if I push them for a timescale they may just say "no" to my request & i do have to return to work & would rather it be for four days rather than five.

[SarahandImogen]

They sent me a letter after our first meeting in June 07 to say that we agreed to postpone a decision about flexible working until "nearer the time". i had said at that meeting that I didn't think this was practical for me as I needed to make childcare arrangements, so when i recieved the letter saying we had all agreed I sent a letter back saying that i hadn't agreed to postponing the decision but had been told that this was what was happening anyway, despite my objections. we then had another meeting where it was reitereated, that though they understood my childcare problems, theywere unable to make a decision that far in advance before. In repsonse to my recent email they replied that they wouldn't be able to give me an answer until "nearer the time". I feel that if I push them for a timescale they may just say "no" to my request & i do have to return to work & would rather it be for four days rather than five.

[SarahandImogen]

They sent me a letter after our first meeting in June 07 to say that we agreed to postpone a decision about flexible working until "nearer the time". i had said at that meeting that I didn't think this was practical for me as I needed to make childcare arrangements, so when i recieved the letter saying we had all agreed I sent a letter back saying that i hadn't agreed to postponing the decision but had been told that this was what was happening anyway, despite my objections. we then had another meeting where it was reitereated, that though they understood my childcare problems, theywere unable to make a decision that far in advance before. In repsonse to my recent email they replied that they wouldn't be able to give me an answer until "nearer the time". I feel that if I push them for a timescale they may just say "no" to my request & i do have to return to work & would rather it be for four days rather than five.

[flowerybeanbag]

It is reasonable for them not to consider it too soon, and actually preferable for you that they do that rather than just saying no and you having to then wait a year before making another request.

But if they are refusing to consider it I do think it's reasonable for you to request a date on which you can resubmit the request for consideration.

I'd write again, you're not asking for an answer to your request, you are asking for a date on which you can submit your request. I think 4 months beforehand or something is reasonable, and there's no reason I can think of that they wouldn't be able to say to you now, submit your request 4 months before you wish to start in your new working pattern. It's not on to just keep saying 'not yet' to you, if you know when you can submit it you will then know where you are, they won't get pestered any more either.

[SarahandImogen]

Many thanks flowerybeanbag. I think it is the "not yet" mentality that's frustrating me. And apologies for the multiple pposting ...have a teething DD on my lap & must have hit the post button about 3 hundred times!!

[flowerybeanbag]

Just to add, if they still refuse to give you a date when you can resubmit it, resubmit it anyway, 4 months before. Make sure the application is really good, booklets on right hand side on Acas and online guide and factsheet on workingfamilies are good. Put in accompanying letter that you feel 4 months is a reasonable timescale for consideration of a flexible working request, you would like your application considered now, and will be expecting a reply within the legal timeframe starting from the date they receive the application. Send recorded delivery or email.