Glossary of flexible working

An arrangement where the employee works a defined number of hours over a year rather than a fixed number of hours a week. Salary is paid as a set amount each month regardless of the actual number of hours worked in that month.

An employee can appeal following a formal flexible working decision, as set out in the Flexible Working Policy.

An employee works their usual hours in fewer days, e.g. 35 hours over 4 days.

Some local flexible working practices don’t need to follow a formal process, for example arrangements that are very temporary or a response to unexpected developments (such as an employee working from home for a day because their boiler has broken down). It’s important that employee and manager are still contactable during these times.

This form should be used to request and record all formal flexible working requests. The employee should complete the first section and forward the form to their manager to complete the rest.

A formal process should be followed for all requests that would mean a long-term change of working pattern or a pattern which would mean a change to the employee’s terms and conditions (especially any change in salary or hours). 

An employee carries out their usual work at home for some of the working week.

Two employees (or sometimes more) voluntarily share the responsibilities of a full-time role.

An employee decides to reduce their working hours. Their salary and other benefits are pro-rated.

An employee starts and finishes work at varying times during the working week, subject to attendance during core hours (10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm).

An employee reduces their annual hours to work only during term times, enabling them to take time off during school holidays.

A reduction in the hours worked and/or responsibilities of a role to help support an employee’s transition to retirement.

A defined period of time at the start of a new flexible working arrangement, which is an opportunity for both the employee and manager to assess whether the arrangement is working satisfactorily.