Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[pattieG]

Since October last year I have had an arrangement that instead of being at work for 7:30 I instead get there for around 8:10. This is due to unexpectedly becoming a full time single parent. I spoke with the company HR rep and she informed me that if the company directors were aware of this arrangement and allowed it to happen for a length of time it would essentially become part of my contract.

Does anybody know the correct legal term for this as the current dynamic at work is changing and I’m looking to protect myself.

And yes I’m well aware I should seek proper legal advice I just wanted to know what to search for to get all of the facts before I go in guns blazing!

[Monkeylegend]

Terms implied through Custom and Practice ?

[hairy v]

Write to your HR department and record your discussion - up to them to confirm.

[deggles]

You could formalise the changed hours through a statutory request for flexible working. https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working/applying-for-f...

Given you've already been working this way for some time, they'd be hard-pressed to deny the request.

[Vee]

Isn't there something in employment law meaning an employer has to be flexible with respect to working hours if an employee has childcare to take care of.
That request cannot be denied unless it can be shown to impact the business.
In your case you've been doing it for a while, presumably with no detriment to the business ?

• I'm not a lawyer or employment law specialist.

[Alex Z]

That needs an email to HR asking for the current working arrangement to be formalised. As others have mentioned, you have a legal right to request this, and while the business can say no, there needs to be justification. Given that you have been doing those hours without concern, it’s hard for them to now say it’s a problem.