Flexible working application

[Jennie wren]

Hi

I wonder can anyone help. I have applied for flexible working to enable me to accommodate the changing needs of my disabled elderly dad & my 15 year old son, who also has a disability. I work in a residential/nursing care home which provides 24/7 care - I only work days, 8-8, over 7 days and I have every other weekend off. I have applied to have my hours changed so that I dont work weekends at all as my eldest son & husband help out through the week but I am struggling at the weekend as my son has family commitments and my husband works. I was notified yesterday of a formal meeting to discuss this tomorrow. Does anyone have any ideas that could help me to prepare for this meeting or know what questions I am likely to be asked or that I should ask? I have done internet research on how best to put this over to my boss but have not found very much at all.

I had an informal discussion with my manager and she pointed out that it is 24/7 care, that I had not put anything about this on my application form about my care responsibilities - this was filled in last September and my situation has changed since then. She also said that I should look at getting carers in to my dad because she has to think about our residents and the impact of me caring for my dad would have on them eg me getting tired and the possiblity of me being snappy at them.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Jennie wren

[enaid]

Re: Flexible working application

Hi Jennie and welcome, I would get in touch with Carers uk here is a link http://www.carersuk.org/ you have a lot more rights now as a carer and if you explain to them the situation I am sure they will inform you as to what and what not your employer can do in this situation.
Getting tired and indeed snappy is part of everyday life not only a carers problem and reading between the lines they are looking for excuses not to let you have what you are entitled to.
Good Luck Enaid x

[Jennie wren]

Re: Flexible working application

Hi Enaid, thank you very much for replying. I'll have a look at that now. Thank you x

[miliitant]

Re: Flexible working application

the employer has a legal duty to consider a flex working arrangement as stipulate by the employment rights act

they have to give a sound business reason not to consider it

their is no reason why the care company cannot get in a contract worker to fill the gap by your absence so the informal comment by your manager is irrelevant and does not hold water