21/ Flexible Working

Providing you are an employee, you are entitled to request a flexible working arrangement.  A request could, for example, relate to the total number of hours worked, the times at which you work, or the place of work. 

All requests for flexible working will be seriously considered, but there is no automatic right to be granted a flexible working arrangement.

Your application must be made in writing, specifying that it is a statutory request.  The request must be signed and dated, and you should state whether you have made any previous request and, if so, when. 

You are limited to two statutory requests in any 12-month period.  You should provide details of the flexible working arrangement you are proposing, when you would like the change to take effect, and how you think any impact on Reprotec UK, your job and/or work colleagues could be managed. 

Your request should be sent to your Line Manager.

You will be contacted to discuss your request as soon as is reasonably practicable.  If there is likely to be an undue delay, you will be notified of this in writing. 

If you are unable to attend the initial date for discussion, a further date and time will be arranged.  If you fail to engage in discussion on both occasions without good reason, Reprotec UK will consider your application as withdrawn.

You should be aware that if your request is accepted, this will normally mean a permanent change to your terms and conditions of employment and there is no automatic right to revert to your original working arrangements at a later date.  Alternatively, if Reprotec UK is unsure about the impact of your request and/or whether this may be sustainable, a temporary or trial period may be agreed.

Reprotec UK’s decision in relation to your request will be confirmed in writing.

A request will only be refused for one of the following business reasons:

●     burden of additional costs

●     inability to reorganise work among existing staff

●     inability to recruit additional staff

●     detrimental impact on quality

●     detrimental impact on performance

●     detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand

●     insufficient work for the periods you are proposing to work

●     planned structural change to the business

If your request is refused, you may appeal against the decision; your appeal must be made in writing.

You are entitled to be accompanied by a work colleague at any discussion, meeting or appeal hearing in relation to your request.  Please note that the consideration period for dealing with flexible working requests, including any appeal, can take up to 2 months.  Where necessary, this timeframe may be extended, by mutual agreement.

Requests will be considered in the order in which they are received. Each case will be considered on its own merits taking into consideration the business case, possible impact, and the current business context.