Flexible Working Request

[woodside87]

Hello all,

Wonder if you can help or guide me to a post that helps.
I have made a flexible working request on the basis of health issues (stress) due to business commitments outside work.
This has been rejected on the basis that they would have to cover me for the two days I wouldn't be at work and they aren't prepared to do so. They also said that I am on a full time contract and they aren't looking to offer part time contracts
My gripe with this is that there is another member on the team, who works part time three days a week, this member isn't covered for by an additional member of staff on the two days work. Their reasoning for this is that the law is different, because they are a parent. Is that correct and justifiable as a reason for accepting their flexible working request but rejecting mine?

Many thanks in advance.

[ULA]

In my opinion your employer is incorrect in their reasoning since all employees have a statutory right to ask their employer for a change to their contractual terms and conditions of employment to work flexibly provided they have worked for their employer for 26 weeks continuously at the date the application is made and the employee has not made a request in the previous 12 months.

Have you been given the right to appeal if so then I would suggest that you consider this?