Flexible working

LarchesLass

I have a disability and work full time.  My employer agreed to my working compressed hours more than two years ago, I have Friday off so I have a three day weekend.  This working pattern has made a huge difference to my quality of life.  Yesterday I was told that I should work Fridays and have Thursdays off.  I would not get the same benefits from breaking up my working week like this, I spend Sundays worrying about what I will find on Monday and I don't want to spend Thursdays worrying about what I will find on Friday.
Can my employer change my hours like this or could the three day weekend be considered to be a reasonable adjustment?

janer1967

Hi there 

The current weekend break would be considered a reasonable adjustment but also the thu off can also be as you would still be condensing your hours into 4 days 

It depends if they have a valid business reason why they can no longer accommodate the weekend off . Also you need to explain why making this change would be detrimental to your health 

It is about flexible working for both parties and sometimes needs change both yours and theirs 

I would request a meeting to discuss this in more detail . If they go ahead and no business reason why you can appeal the decision and take it from there see what happens 

LarchesLass

Thank you for that janer1967.  A number of my colleagues also have compressed hours but their hours haven't been changed.  I will ask for a meeting to discuss.

SueHeath

Morning @LarchesLass hope your well this morning.
I've been on the other side of this situation, were i was the manager, the lady concerned told me at the time she could be flexable with her days off, i know she would of said anything at the time to achieve her 4 day a week.
Some times management expect you to be flexible, it has to work for the business as well, it can't always be personal.
Saying that Janer is right ask for a meeting to discuss all.

janer1967

OK.

The others may not have been added to change depends on why they are asking 

If you all do exactly the same hours and only 1 person needs to change then they all should have been asked but it could depend on the reason why they do those hours and also if you all do exactly the same role 

LarchesLass

Hi, thank you Sue and Janet.  My disability is related to scar tissue on my legs from when I was burned age 4.  My skin reacts when I go from warm to cold conditions causing severe pain so the more I can limit going outside the better.
I didn't realise before I had compressed hours the way having three consecutive days when I don't have to go outside  would benefit me.
I was the first member of the team to apply for compressed hours.  Another team member applied and was allocated Thursdays off but she always just took Fridays and I don't think it was ever picked up because she was working from home, she has now been given Fridays and I have been asked to change to Thursday's.  I don't know why she has been allowed to change but it seems very unfair to me.  We work in a hospital and there have only been two team members including myself who came in throughout the pandemic.  I have had no time off sick throughout the period and feel that having the three consecutive days off has helped me to manage the stresses of my job.  Would this add weight to a request to leave my hours as they are?