Employer asked me to keep schtum

catlover83

I have recently applied for a flexible working plan at work and it's been approved but I've been asked, in as many words, to keep quiet about it.

This is due to another member of staff recently applying but having his request refused. He is on a different section to me and does a different job but we have the same basic contract. He is currently going through a grievance process with it.

I know and like this person and I am torn between a moral obligation to tell them and worry that my employer might do something to my new agreement if they get wind I've said anything.

I'm trying to justify keeping quiet with the facts that we requested the flexible working for different reasons and we do different jobs but I am also concerned about losing a friend. They will find out later in the year when I start my hours but I am actually not 100% sure they will put up with their job until then, they are a free spirit and not very free at our workplace!

Help

Googlewhacker

Your employer is an idiot for asking you to keep schtum, they can allow who they want to have flexible working and refuse who they want as long as there are business reasons to back this up.

I suspect there are reasons why you have been allowed and they have not but it does make their job harder if you go and blab to your friend and also if you do and they know you asked then forget about any favours and it could damage your progression in the company (if that is what you are looking for)

If it comes out, tell your friend the truth, the company asked you to not say anything.

Idiophreak

I think it's only reasonable to keep quiet - it's not an outlandish request by your employer. Sounds like it's a touchy subject and they're trying to stop things getting out of hand.

Nothing will be improved by you telling your friend...it doesn't strengthen their case in any way - as Googlewhacker says, they can give the flexi to whoever they want - all you'll achieve is to get both your friend and your employer wound up. I'd keep quiet until you really can't any more.

ASmith

That's a pretty tough situation that you've been put in, like you said your friend will find out when you change hours.

I guess you could just play dumb and pretend you didn't know that your friend applied for flexi-time - hopefully he hasn't mentioned it and If he says something in a couple of months time just act surprised that he was refused?

I guess it depends how close you are and how often you see him.

Zazen999

Would it have made any difference if you didn't know about the other request and grievance? It is an agreement between you and your employer and nothing to do with anyone else. Your employer should not have told you about your friend, and you should not tell your friend about your situation.