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Flexible working
Information about asking for flexible work, and what to do if your employer is changing your hours
Flexible Working Webguide Step 2- When and how to make your request
Released 10th April, 2012|4,168 Views
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Step 2 - When and how to make your request
When
If you are making a request for flexible working, make sure you leave enough time for the formal process. If you are making a formal request and your employer does not agree immediately, it could take 12 weeks to go through every stage. Do not expect to get what you need or want as soon as you ask for it!
If you are on maternity leave, you have the right to request flexible working as soon as you have your baby (or earlier if you already have a child). You don’t need to wait until you get close to your return date.
If possible, find out about what is going on in your workplace. Your employer can turn you down if there are ‘planned structural changes’, so it might be worth avoiding making a request until there is more certainty in the workplace.
How
It is up to you whether you want to make your first approach to your employer
- Verbally
- In a letter/email
- On a form provided by your workplace
- Using the government flexible working application form
Your employer may prefer an informal approach, if for example you have always got on well and/or known each other for a long time. Even if you are intending to put in a written application, a chat with your employer beforehand could help, so that they do not receive it unexpectedly.
If you decide to use a letter or email, it is up to you how formal you make this. If a letter contains everything required by the regulations, it will count as a formal request for flexible working. If it doesn’t contain all these points, your employer doesn’t have to follow the procedure, although you might find that they do so anyway.
If you use a form provided by your workplace, you might also want to check whether it contains all the points it needs to make it a formal request for flexible working.
Keeping records
Try to keep copies of any letters or emails between you and your employer, as well as copies of forms, and make a note of the time, date and content of any conversations you have, whether in person or on the phone.
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Most viewed resources
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Flexible Working Webguide Step 1- What to ask for
Released 19th April, 2012Information to help you decide the right working hours when returning to work after you have had a baby.
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Factsheet - benefits and employment rights when you have a child
Released 2nd February, 2011Factsheet for parents and carers covering benefits and employment rights when you have children.
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Contacting us for more advice
Released 27th May, 2010Information on how to contact Working Families if you need more advice after looking at the website, including details of the free helpline on benefits and employment rights for parents and carers.
