30 hour contract, advce needed.

[Cherriesju]

I am contracted to work 30 hours, currently this has been worked over 4 days leaving me with one full day free. I work in a team of over 30 who all either work 30 hours or 18.5. We can all cover all the tasks of any team member.

 

I think that my line manager is going to try to make me work my 30 hours over five days which does not suit me due to having caring responsibilities for an elderly relative and a mentally ill relative. I don't mind which day I have off, but I need it to be one full day as I schedule medical appointments etc, for the day I don't work.

 

I also may be asked to change the day I currenty have off for another one, and whilst I am happy to do this I can't do it for the next three weeks due to having committments which have incurred costs, can they force me to change days and lose monies aready paid?

 

Many of the rest of the team do their hours in 4 days, and at least one has a set day off to attend University. Where do I stand if my manager tries to force the issue? It should be perfectly possible for her to ensure that I only work 4 days but she likes to be difficult and I think she wants to show she is in charge.

 

I have looked at the rules for refusal of flexible working and it appears that on at least 2 points they could not reasonably refuse, but I am not sure if flexible working covers my situation.

 

Can anyone offer me some advice as to what I can reasonably expect of my employer in the circumstances.?

[citizenB]

How long have you worked for the Company ?

[Cherriesju]

I have been there for 15 years.

[citizenB]

Thank you. I will try and find someone who can help

[Cherriesju]

Thank you, that would really be appreciated.

[Emmzzi]

Have a wee read of this, I think it may be a good option

 

https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working/overview

[Cherriesju]

Thank you for your response.

 

Do you think my situation would fall under this remit?

 

Are there any guidelines for employers with regard to flexibility due to caring committments?

[Emmzzi]

I'd say so, probably. The closer the relative/ caring responsibilty the more likely.

 

The mian thing you need to do is state how the employer can accomodate your request - you need to show how it can be done

 

Then they have to give a valid business reason for refusal if they have one.

[Cherriesju]

Thank you. Does the fact that they have done it informally for someone else (to attend University) carry any weight?

 

Reading through the link, it doesn't say that you have to give a reason for the request, so does the reason really matter ?

 

I read it as if they cannot give a reason from the list for refusing, then the request should suceed regardless of the reason for the request (if indeed a reason is given)

[Emmzzi]

no, they don't need to apply it for everyone - in fact they can say they've reached their quota of restricted hours contracts - so I'd get in early

 

If it is to care for someone disabled you have some possible protection from discrimination by association, so I would include that in your application

[peterm41]

I think that my line manager is going to try to make me work my 30 hours over five days

 

 

Does this mean you you don't know if they want you to do this or.....

[green_and_mean]

http://www.acas.org.uk/media/pdf/q/k/Varying-a-contract-of-employment-Acas-leaflet.pdf

[Cherriesju]

I think that my line manager is going to try to make me work my 30 hours over five days

 

 

Does this mean you you don't know if they want you to do this or.....

 

It means when I wrote the post I suspected it would happen......and when I got into work the next day, it did!

[Emmzzi]

and what has happened since then?

[Cherriesju]

I am in discussion at the moment, the minute I mentioned the statutory flexible working avenue, it suddenly became possible it could be managed informally. I am thinking about it over the weekend.