How to apply for flexible working?
What happens if an employer refuses to change the terms of an employment contract?
How long can you work for the same employer?
Who must tell the employee they are treating the request as withdrawn?
Should employees tell their employer in writing if they want to withdraw their application?
Should an employee email their employer?
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What are 3 examples of flexible work arrangements?
What are examples of flexible work arrangements?Flex time. ... Reduced hours/Part-time. ... Compressed work week. ... Telework/Working Remotely/Telecommuting. ... Job sharing. ... Banking of Hours/ Annualized hours. ... Gradual Retirement. ... Leaves and Sabbaticals.
How do you ask for flexible working hours examples?
Request for flexible work arrangements I am currently rostered to work Tuesday to Friday. I would like to vary my starting and finishing times by one hour. This would essentially mean starting work at 8.30am and finishing at 4.30pm, instead of commencing at 9.30am and finishing 5.30pm as my roster currently stands.
How do I ask my boss for a more flexible schedule?
Be clear with your request “You want to be specific with what the need is and the way you would like to have more flexibility.” Suggesting a trial period of the proposed schedule, like having a review in three months, can make a manager more likely to agree.
Does my employer have to give me flexible working?
By law, you have the right to make a flexible working request if: you've worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks. you're legally classed as an employee. you've not made any other flexible working request in the last 12 months.
What are good reasons for flexible working?
have the flexibility to cover a wider span of hours to meet 24/7 demand. lower the impact of stress or personal issues on productivity. reduce travel expenses and office space costs. avoid redundancies in a difficult economic climate by agreeing to reduce hours.
Can I ask my employer for flexible working?
Under the law your employer must seriously consider any application you make, and only reject it if there are good business reasons for doing so. You have the right to ask for flexible working - not the right to have it.
How do you politely ask to change a schedule?
How to request a schedule change at workDetermine exactly what you're requesting. ... Understand what kind of request is appropriate and realistic for your company. ... Schedule a meeting with your manager. ... State your case. ... Set clear expectations. ... If approved, transition as professionally as possible.
How do you politely ask for a schedule?
“Are you free…?” or “Are you available…?” are the most common expressions used to ask someone if they are free or available at a particular time. Likewise, “Does this fit into your schedule?” or “Is your schedule open…?” are two other polite expressions to ask about someone's availability.
How do you tell your boss you want to change shifts?
I'm writing to request a change in my shift schedule. At this time, I work [current work hours] at [company] as a [position]. For the foreseeable future, I'd like to change my shift so that I'd work [desired shift] instead. This change would take place [dates in which you hope for the new shift to begin].
Can I be refused flexible working hours?
There are only limited reasons why your employer can refuse your statutory flexible working request. For example, because the business would be adversely affected. If you make a non-statutory request and your employer refuses, they don't need to give you a reason.
What reasons can an employer refuse flexible working?
Your employer can turn down your flexible working request if there's a valid business reason for doing so. By law, your employer can turn down your flexible working request if: it will cost too much. they cannot reorganise the work among other staff.
Can my employer refuse to let me reduce my hours?
So, can you legally reduce employee hours? Yes, it's legal—so long as you can justify your need to do so. For the reduction in working hours, employment law does require you to provide a legitimate reason. And it's important to remember you keep your employees well informed during the process.
What are examples of flexible working?
Types of flexible workingJob sharing. Two people do one job and split the hours.Working from home. It might be possible to do some or all of the work from home or anywhere else other than the normal place of work.Part time. ... Compressed hours. ... Flexitime. ... Annualised hours. ... Staggered hours. ... Phased retirement.
How do you ask about working hours?
Here are some steps to follow to ask for more hours at work:Prove your performance. Prove yourself as a good worker. ... Monitor your schedule. Consider why you want to ask for more hours at work. ... Evaluate your performance. ... Consider solutions. ... Ask for time. ... Make your request. ... Thank your manager. ... Ask for feedback.More items...•
How do you ask for a schedule change at work examples?
I'm writing to request a change in my shift schedule. At this time, I work [current work hours] at [company] as a [position]. For the foreseeable future, I'd like to change my shift so that I'd work [desired shift] instead. This change would take place [dates in which you hope for the new shift to begin].
How do I ask my employer for a part time job?
Here are tips and advice on how to make a case for going from full-time to part-time with your manager.Check on Company Policy.Prepare Your Case.Review a Sample Proposal.Be Ready to Address Potential Pain Points.Don't Surprise Your Manager.Briefly Explain Why You Want to Go Part-Time.Suggest a Trial Period.More items...•
Overview
Flexible working is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, for example having flexible start and finish times, or working from home. Flex...
Types of flexible working
There are different ways of working flexibly. Job sharing Two people do one job and split the hours. Working from home It might be possible to do s...
Applying for flexible working
Employees can apply for flexible working if they’ve worked continuously for the same employer for the last 26 weeks. It’s known as ‘making a statut...
After the application
Employers must consider flexible working requests in a ‘reasonable manner’. Download ‘Acas code of practice for handling requests in a reasonable m...
Appeals
Employees no longer have a statutory right to an appeal. But offering an appeals process helps to demonstrate that the employer is handling request...
Sample letter to request flexible working
This is a Precedent “Statutory Flexible Working Request” Letter for you to personalise.All the words highlighted in BOLD are legal requirements for the request to be valid.You must include these. The remainder of the letter is optional however our view is that including this information, where relevant, will help strengthen your argument and hopefully result in the request being granted.
Making a flexible working request - Acas
Please do not include any personal details, for example email address or phone number. If you have a question about your individual circumstances, contact our helpline on 0300 123 1100.
Flexible working - how to make a request - Citizens Advice
How to make both a statutory and a non-statutory request for flexible working and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Asking for flexible working: Making a flexible working request - Acas
You might be able to make a 'flexible working request' to your employer if you want to: reduce your hours to work part-time. change your start and finish time
What is flexible working?
Flexible working is a broad cluster of working arrangements which give you varying degrees of flexibility over the duration, location, and times you work. There are many types of flexible working arrangements which suit different circumstances and needs; homeworking is just one of several arrangements employers can offer. Here are some others:
What to do if you meet resistance to flexible working?
A trial of your flexible working arrangements over a set period will also allow your employer and yourself to review how things are working and identify any problems which might’ve occurred . Adaptations can then be made before the arrangements are made permanent.
What happens if your employer rejects your first time employment?
If your request proves unsuccessful the first-time round, your employer must then offer an appeal process.
Why is flexible working important?
It’s essential that all organisations take flexible working requests seriously for the benefit of your wellbeing, productivity, job satisfaction and work-life balance. Now is the ideal time to make your case.
Can flexible working be used in manufacturing?
However, just because jobs have always been designed a certain way doesn’t mean they can’t change – our research has shown that flexible working can be creatively applied in sectors like manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare and transport too. Our Flex from 1st campaign calls for flexible working to be the default for all employees, including those in lower-paid and more manual roles, which have often been overlooked in the past. We believe that flexible working should be the norm rather than the exception, which is why our campaign is encouraging employers to support flexible working for all and the right to request flexible working from day-one of employment.
Can you work from home during lockdown?
Although many people enjoyed a better work-life balance during lockdown, our research has shown that 46% of employees did not work from home at all. This form of flexibility (working from home) isn’t suitable for all industries, and approval of your flexible working request can sometimes depend on your job type.
What is the difference between a statutory and non-statutory flexible working request?
You will need to decide whether to make a statutory request or a non-statutory request for flexible working.
How do I make a statutory flexible working request?
To make your flexible working request, you should write to your employer.
What happens if my request is accepted?
If your employer accepts the new arrangement, they should confirm to you in writing a statement of the agreed changes and the start date for flexible working. Your employment contract should also be amended to refer to the new terms and conditions.
Can an employer refuse a flexible working request?
By law, employers can refuse an application for flexible working where they have considered the request in a reasonable manner and they can prove a genuine business reason for rejecting your request.
Can I appeal a flexible working decision?
Employees do not have a right to appeal requests for flexible working. However, many employers offer the opportunity to appeal the decision as this may help to show they have acted in a reasonable manner in handing the request, should the case proceed to a tribunal claim.
Do I have a tribunal claim?
Where an issue cannot be resolved by informal or internal procedures, you may consider your rights to bring an employment tribunal claim against your employer.
What should an employer write to you about a refusal?
Your employer should write to you stating the reason (s) for refusal of the request and detailing any provision for appeal. You employer may offer alternative solutions to provide you with flexibility, but this is not a requirement.
How long will you have to wait for a decision?
There is no deadline for an employer to decide on a non-statutory request.
How to make a flexible working request?
There are two ways in which you can make a flexible working request. One is to make a formal statutory request - a request under the rules set out in law. The other is to make a non-statutory request.
Why is it important to describe more than one option?
This is important if you are making a statutory request because you can only make one application a year.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of statutory and non-statutory requests?
Non-statutory request. You have to meet eligibility criteria. You won't have to meet any eligibility criteria. You can only make 1 request a year. There's no limit on the number of requests you can make each year. If your employer refuses your request, there ...
What happens if your employer refuses to work?
If your employer refuses your request, there are rules on how you can make a claim in the employment tribunal under the law on flexible working. If your employer refuses your request, you might still be able to take a claim to an employment tribunal but not under the law on flexible working. For example, if it’s discrimination.
What to do if your employer doesn't agree to your request?
If your employer doesn't agree to your request, they should arrange to discuss your request with you as soon as possible and let you know if there is going to be any delay in dealing with your request.
How long does it take to get a job extension?
It can take up to 3 months, or longer if you agree to an extension of time, for your request to be approved. Getting a decision could be quicker. This may be worth considering if you want to make temporary or small changes to your working pattern and need this to start soon.
What are some examples of handling requests in a reasonable manner?
Examples of handling requests in a reasonable manner include: assessing the advantages and disadvantages of the application. holding a meeting to discuss the request with the employee. offering an appeal process.
What is flexible working?
Flexible working is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, for example having flexible start and finish times, or working from home. Flexible working rules are different in Northern Ireland. All employees have the legal right to request flexible working - not just parents and carers.
How long do you have to work to be eligible for flexible working?
This is known as ‘ making a statutory application ’. Employees must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks to be eligible.
Can an employer refuse an application?
An employer can refuse an application if they have a good business reason for doing so.
What does flexible work schedule mean?
Providing a flexible work schedule means employers are putting their trust in their employees, and they, in turn, are showing their commitment towards the increase in their productivity without any force, pressure or stress.
How to make a proposal for flexible schedule?
If you are offering to work few hours from home and few hours in an office you can explain how that would save the company 20 per cent of sala ry, and how it would help manage with the other time zones. Make sure to answer in a way that your focus is more on the benefit of the company than your own personal needs.
Why is flexible working important?
Flexible working on the specific days would enable them to schedule their timing perfectly well and give quality and productivity. Plan for quality and output: Many employers give high value to the face time, but their idea that the hours given in the office gives quality is partially correct. An employee with flexible working hours could give more ...
How to get your boss to accept your proposal?
Get An Appointment for a Meeting: Fix an appointment to sit across the table with your boss to discuss your proposal. During the conversation, put more focus on the trial period. Your boss will willingly accept your proposal if he feels this arrangement would be more profitable and give results.
What is family flexible plan?
The Family Flexible Plan: As a parent you need time to spend with your children and having to drop and pick them from School. The flexible hours you get can give you time to devote to your child and you could work at the time when your child goes to bed.
What to do if performance is not outstanding?
If you see your performance is not outstanding, start flexible working on it to improve it. As Louis E. Boone, David L. Kurtz found out in their Contemporary Business 2010 update, “Flexitime is an accommodation, not an entitlement.”
How to improve performance?
If you see your performance is not outstanding, start flexible working on it to improve it.
How Can HR Lead When It Comes To Flexible Working Requests?
When it comes to flexible working, it is up to HR to provide the right structure and framework to make it efficient and successful for everyone. One of the ways they can do this is throuhg HR software, which can ensure that operational excellence is ensured (and flexible work can be handled strategically).
What Is A Flexible Working Request?
If an employee believes that they may be more productive, or generally happier, with a change in their working routine, they have the right to make a flexible working request. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, these may have been rare and on more of a case-by-case basis, but studies show that now around 1 in 4 workers plan to be fully remote in the near future.
What Are The Downsides of Flexible Working?
But, the downsides are finding the time for HR to manage flexible work, flex employees, and flexible working requests.
How to ask for flexible working?
Asking for flexible working. You might be able to make a 'flexible working request' to your employer if you want to: reduce your hours to work part-time. change your start and finish time. have flexibility with your start and finish time (sometimes known as 'flexitime') do your hours over fewer days ('compressed hours') ...
How long do you have to work to be considered an employee?
you’ve worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks. you’re legally classed as an employee. you’ve not made any other flexible working request in the last 12 months. If you have the right to request, your employer must: look at your request fairly, following the Acas Code of Practice on flexible working requests.
Who has the right to request flexible working?
All employees have the right to request flexible working, including if you’re:
Do you have to accept a flexible working request?
You don’t have to accept the request, but if you do decline it, you must provide justification for doing so on one of the following grounds, as set down in the legislation:
How often can an employee request flexible working?
An employee is only entitled to one flexible working request every 12 months. This prevents employees chopping and changing their work patterns excessively. Many employers will make allowances for a second request if they recognize their employee’s circumstances have changed unexpectedly.
What is the strapline of the Flexible Working Task Force?
That’s the strapline the Flexible Working Task Force is urging employers to use when advertising jobs as part of their campaign to increase the availability of flexible working.
How long do you have to notify an employee of a decision?
You must notify the employee of your decision within three months of their request, but we recommend that you respond to the request as soon as you can. Also bear in mind that the three month period also includes the time that any appeal procedure may take.
What are the benefits of flexible working?
There are many benefits to offering flexible working for an employer too, such as access to a wider talent pool, a more loyal and engaged workforce, reduced absenteeism and improved wellbeing. But what are your rights as an employer? After all, you’ve got the commercial needs of your business to meet.
What is flexitime in business?
Flexitime – where employees can vary their start and finish times provided a certain number of hours are worked each day, week or month.
Why is it important to understand the reasons behind a request?
This means you’ll be better able to fairly weigh up the impact of the request on the business, versus the impact saying no might have on the individual.
How to apply for flexible working?
The application must include: 1 the date 2 a statement that this is a statutory request 3 details of how the employee wants to work flexibly and when they want to start 4 an explanation of how they think flexible working might affect the business and how this could be dealt with, for example if they’re not at work on certain days 5 a statement saying if and when they’ve made a previous application
What happens if an employer refuses to change the terms of an employment contract?
If the employer disagrees, they must write to the employee giving the business reasons for the refusal. The employee may be able to complain to an employment tribunal.
How long can you work for the same employer?
Employees can apply for flexible working if they’ve worked continuously for the same employer for the last 26 weeks. It’s known as ‘making a statutory application.’. The basic steps are: The employee writes to the employer. The employer considers the request and makes a decision within 3 months - or longer if agreed with the employee.
Who must tell the employee they are treating the request as withdrawn?
The employer must tell the employee they are treating the request as withdrawn.
Should employees tell their employer in writing if they want to withdraw their application?
Employees should tell their employer in writing if they want to withdraw their application .
Should an employee email their employer?
An employee should email or write a letter to their employer.
