Changing Working Hours

[sam76]

Hi ladies, im after some advice, do you know if theres a time limit, you have to let your employee know that you would like to reduce hours, i think it may be 8 weeks, but im unsure, im currently full time, mon/fri, but want to work, mon/thurs so this will be 30 hours and still classed as full time? Any help would be grateful, i really dont know were to start!!!!

 

[lisacaton1980]

I have just applied to my work to change from f/t to p/t. i found some useful advise on directgov website and also a template letter - you just fill in the blanks.

 

[Linzi]

Yeah I applied too & used the directgov website it was really helpful

As for the time frame I think thats down to company policy. Youd probs have to ask someone but 8 weeks sounds realistic

x

 

[blahblahblah]

I recently checked this out with my work. My contract, which usually sticks to the letter of the law says to allow 14 weeks, as this is the maximum it would take if you had to go through appealing etc. Also bear in mind that all they need is a business reason to say no - which could be as simple as "cannot do this job in a 4 day week".

 

[Cham]

There are statutory deadlines for putting in a request. Off the top of my head, once you put your request in writing, they have 28 days to arrange a meeting with you to discuss your request and then 14 days to consider your request and inform you of the decision.

I work in HR and I always advise women to put in their request as early as possible, so that if the original request can't be accepted, both sides have the opportunity to suggest/consider alternatives. If you put in the request too late, you may find that you don't have enough time and may have to return to work on your original terms and conditions.

Remember, that although you have the right to request flexible working, your employer doesn't have to accept it, so make sure you put in a strong case as to how reducing your hours won't affect their service e.g. if work tends to be quiet on a Friday, you could state that this is the reason why you are requesting not to work Fridays.

 

[sam76]

Where is it on the direct gov? cannot find it, and the template too??? any help ladies

 

[Lucy Lu]

I think this is what you're after sam - https://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Flexibleworking/DG_10037051

there's a link on here to the template letter too. Good luck!