Introduction
This policy has been updated following the Employment Relations (flexible working) Act 2023. You have the statutory right to ask to work flexibly from day one of employment with PCI Pal.
You can make 2 requests in any 12-month period.
The request
Any request for flexible working must be made in writing with at least 30 days notice and must include the following information:
-
the date of your application, the change to working conditions you are seeking and when you would like the change to come into effect
-
what effect, if any, you think the requested change would have on your work and the business, and in their opinion, any such effect might be dealt with
-
a statement that this is a statutory request and if and when you have made a previous application for flexible working
Meetings
Once the line manager has received a written request they should speak to the People team. The People Team and Line Manager will arrange to arrange a meeting with you as soon as possible after receiving your written request. This will be to gather further information about the request, and to set out the process.
If the request is approved then a hearing meeting is not needed, and a letter confirming the change will be issued (see Accepting Your Request).
Hearing Meeting
Should we need to formally review the request the People Team will organise a meeting with you and your line manager. 3 days notice will be given of this meeting to allow you to prepare. You will be allowed to be accompanied by a work colleague for this and any appeal discussion. During the meeting we will discuss your request to get a better idea of what changes you are looking for, and how they might benefit the business and you.
Considering your request
PCI Pal will consider the request carefully looking at the benefits of the requested changes in working conditions for both you and for the business, weighing these against any adverse business impact of implementing the changes. Once a decision is made we will inform you as soon as possible, and in writing. The law requires that all requests, including any appeals, must be considered and decided on within a period of two months from first receipt, unless PCI Pal agree to extend this period with you.
Accepting your request
If we accept your request this will be followed up with a letter detailing the changes, and how and when they will be implemented. These changes will usually change the terms of your employment contract.
PCI Pal will put in writing:
-
-
when the change will start
-
how long the change will last, if for a fixed period of time
-
a review date, if the change will be looked at to see how it’s going
This letter will be issued within a month of the change taking effect, including any changes to your :
Rejecting your request
If we reject your request it will be for one of the following reasons, as set out in employment legislation:
-
the burden of additional costs
-
an inability to reorganise work amongst existing staff
-
an inability to recruit additional staff
-
a detrimental impact on quality
-
a detrimental impact on performance
-
a detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand
-
insufficient work for the periods the employee proposes to work
-
a planned structural change to your business
Appeals
You also have a right of appeal against a decision to refuse your request. You have the right to be represented at any appeal meetings. If you fail to attend any both this and a rearanged meeting without good reason PCI Pal will consider the request withdrawn. We will inform you of this in writing.
