I would like to reduce my working week from five to four days to achieve a better work-life balance. What are my rights?
Firstly, it is recommended you check your employer’s work-life balance policies. It may be that they offer sabbaticals, flexible working policies (not just limited to parents with young children), etc. It might be worthwhile finding out from other employees whether anyone else has done something similar. This would not be setting a precedent necessarily, but it would indicate that it might be possible. Whilst you have the right to request a variation to your contract under the Employment Act 1996, it is entirely discretionary. There is no legal obligation for your employer to consider your request seriously. Any change to your contract would be permanent and this would also, of course, be reflected in your pay and your benefits package. From a long-term point of view, if you did reduce to four days your pension would also be reduced.
