How long does a company have to consider a flexible working request?

[Princess]

Does anyone know how long a company legally has to consider an application for flexible working on return from mat leave? Google gives me quite a few contradictory answers on this.

I have chased and chased my application with the HR department who keep telling me they haven't been able to pin down my line manager, it's the Easter holidays so no one is around to deal with it etc etc. It's now been 9 weeks and I just need to know where I stand one way or the other!

Thanks

Princess

[ED Newbie]

Hi,

I've looked at my company handbook and it states that the Company has 28 days in which to accept your application or to arrange a meeting with the employee.

The employee has the right to be accompanied etc

Within 14 days of the meeting the Company will respond in writing or either agreeing to the proposed new work pattern and it's start date or confirming any compromise agreement discussed or explaining precise terms why the application may get rejected.

You then have 14 days for the right to appeal which is done in writing.

Following the appeal the Company has 14 days in which to provide a decision.

Now this is what my company handbook states and doesn't necessarily mean it's what your company follows but maybe useful as a guide :)

Hope this help

Thanks

[candp]

They have to respond to your request within 28 days unless the person who makes the decision is on leave, which might be how they're stalling - although 9 weeks seems extreme. Info here and given how they're behaving, I'd do everything by the book: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Flexibleworking/DG_171775

[Princess]

Thank you, that is what I thought too. I didn't really want to go in all guns blazing but following some unfortunate events just before I left this really is the final straw!

[Smiler]

It might be worth a call to the ACAS helpline.

[sunbob]

I had a similar experience with my company not getting back to me for 6 weeks. I wrote an email to the person responsible for responding, copying in his boss and the CEO, 'reminding' him that government guidelines require them to reply within 28 days. I felt very annoyed, stressed and uncomfortable having to write a snotty email, but it did do the job. The statutory timeline is just as ED Newbie's staff handbook describes and can be found on direct.gov.uk.

[Princess]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I will put in a call tomorrow morning followed by a well worded email cc'ing in all the key people and their superiors. Wish me luck!!