Flexible working

Making a flexible working application

The first thing to do when making a flexible working request (whether under your employer’s flexible working policy or otherwise) is to think about how you can make it as difficult as possible for your employer to turn it down.  It’s important, therefore, to try and have your employer’s needs at the forefront of your mind and not just your own needs/wishes.  Think about what difficulties your employer may encounter if it agrees to your request, anticipate their objection and come up with a solution.  The more you try and think about the impact of your request on your employer and your colleagues, the better able you will be to address those concerns within your application thereby reducing the likelihood of it being turned down and you having to appeal.  

If you are on maternity or shared parental leave when you are thinking of making such a request, make it as soon as possible so that there is plenty of time for your employer to consider your request and either agree to it or come up with a suitable alternative before you are due to return to work.

Negotiating flexible working can be notoriously difficult. We can help you draft the best application and put forward the most persuasive appeal should your original request be turned down. We are also able to advise and represent you should the refusal to agree to your request by your employer amount to discrimination.