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Flexible working request declined :(

6 replies

Whatevertheweather · 14/11/2012 15:57

I had asked if I could return doing full time hours compressed in to 4 day week so I could have 1 day with dd who will be 6 months when I go back.

My boss verbally told me no today as 'it wouldn't be fair on the rest of the team and she couldn't justify it to them' my counter arguments were:

A) the role is target driven and I will still have to hit the same targets as them
B) No-one else in the team has young children

Can they decline based on 'the rest of the team won't like it and will all want to do the same?

I'm so gutted and trying not to cry. Can't afford to request a true 4 day week so this was my only option to get a bit of extra time with dd.

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MrsWhoGivesaShit · 14/11/2012 16:03

i have not applied for family working myself, but I thought it had to be done officially and the response should also be given via writing??

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Whatevertheweather · 14/11/2012 16:08

Yes I wrote in and requested it. Today was the meeting you have to have as part of process, they now have 14 days to officially respond in writing with their decision but that is what was said to me today

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bigkidsdidit · 14/11/2012 16:14

You should repost in employment issues, which is generally a bit busier :)

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MrsWhoGivesaShit · 14/11/2012 16:16

do you have a union ? that is not a valid reason for declining a family friendly application. but yes, re post in employment!

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Whatevertheweather · 14/11/2012 16:38

Thank you have re-posted!

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Mandy21 · 14/11/2012 18:24

Anyone with children (upto age 16 I think) can request flexible working so I don't think it matters if no-one else in the team has "young" children. I think they probably didn't word their verbal response properly, but it does sound like a "business" reason (it has to be a business reason to reject your request). I guess what they're effectively saying (and no doubt their written reply will be worded better) is that they have to have the same policy for all employees, and the efficiency of the business would be compromised if everyone wanted to work a 4 day week - i.e. there wouldn't be enough cover in the office etc. If thats true, then they probably can refuse on that basis, if not, then challenge it. Good luck.

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