We have an employee who is due to start maternity leave in Apr 23 and is intending to return in Jan 24. This employee has submitted a flexible working request for their return in Jan 24, to reduce their working week to 3 days from 5. The manager is struggling to be able to make a decision this early for Jan 24, therefore, is asking to refuse the request based on the timeline, which does not come under a reason for refusal. My thought was they speak to the employee and advise it is too early to make an assessment on whether this is viable and advise they resubmit at a later date. Also explain, should the employee submit and the manager refuse, the employee cannot submit another request for another 12 months.
Have any of your come across this and would you agree with my advice?
Thank you.