It is an unreasonable request?

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2Ee
2Ee Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited November 2022 in Work

Apologies for the lengthy post.

I've made a request at work to reduce my hours due to stress/anxiety and also safety concerns. I have a 90minute - 2 hour commute to work to do a 12 hour shift and the times I finish (early hours of the morning) mean public transport is not available so my only option is to drive. On a few occasions I have fallen asleep at traffic lights so have been worried about this happening again and obviously it being a danger to myself or others on the road.

I stated this concern in my request as a reason for the change as well as the effect the job is having on my mental health. But was told the reason for rejecting was because the company is losing too many staff in the out of hours period.

My request was to work over the weekends Friday Saturday and Sunday ranging between 1pm -9pm and 3 days during the week 1pm-9pm. Instead of 3days 1200-0000 and 1900-0700 3days. I'm waiting to see if my 2nd request gets approved but fear it will be the same response as they want staff in the building overnight.

I also have 2 young children who I need to be home for in the mornings to get ready for school.

I'm struggling what to do as my next steps as if I can't reduce my hours to something safe I can't continue to work there.

Am I being unreasonable in my request?

Is this something I should raise with HR?

Comments

  • Alex_Alumni
    Alex_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,538 Championing
    Hello @2Ee and welcome to the community, thanks for your query. I'm sorry to hear that your first request was rejected. I've moved your post over into our work and employment category so it's easier for members to share their thoughts with you.

    You might like to take a look at the ACAS website, for advice on reasonable adjustments, I think it is well worth getting in touch with HR if you can.

    Your employer has a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to provide a reasonable adjustment. Employers must make reasonable adjustments when:
    • they know, or could reasonably be expected to know, someone is disabled
    • a disabled staff member or job applicant asks for adjustments
    • someone who's disabled is having difficulty with any part of their job
    • someone's absence record, sickness record or delay in returning to work is because of, or linked to, their disability
    If you'd like to talk about this on a one to one basis, you are also welcome to call or email the Scope Helpline to speak to one of our advisers :) 

    Let us know if we can do anything further to help, and keep us updated with how things go as and when.

    Alex

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