Flexible Work

One of my staff wants to cut her work from five days to three, and to work flexibly to help care for her young child. She plays a crucial role in bringing and I am concerned that my business will suffer. Must I agree to her request? If not, must I give her redundancy pay?

Your sales manager does not have a right to work flexibly or part time. She can request it and that request should be considered properly in line with the statutory framework which sets out a timeframe for meetings, written decisions and the appeals process.

There are several grounds upon which you can reject a request.

Given that your business may suffer financially, you may legitimately reject her request. However, you could suggest a different working pattern, a temporary role change or unpaid time off (call it parental leave), which may prove mutually acceptable. If you cannot grant his request or reach a compromise, he will not be redundant, as his job still exists, so you will not owe redundancy pay.

Hylton-Potts offer fixed fees for advising on situations just like this.