Q. Due to a change in my son's child care arrangements, I would like to reduce my hours of work. Is this possible?
A. Parents, guardians and foster parents (amongst others) who have been employed for over 26 weeks have the right to apply to their employer for flexible working hours. The application must be made the fourteenth day before the child reaches the age of 6 and should include details of the proposed change being requested and the likely effect of the change upon the employer.
Q. Can my employer refuse the request?
A. Yes. The employer can refuse the application on a number of grounds, including the burden of additional costs, the detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand, inability to organise work among the remaining staff etc. If the employer rejects the application they must specify which ground they are relying upon.
Q. Can I appeal against their decision?
A. Yes, provided you do so within 14 days of receiving the notification of refusal. A meeting will then be arranged within the next 14 days and then within another 14 days the employer must notify you in writing of the decision.
If the employer fails to follow the procedure the Employment Tribunal can award up to eight weeks pay (up to a maximum of £290.00 per week) as a penalty.
