Request for part time work after materntiy leave not put in writing

[Lindap65]

Hi, my friend wanted to go back to work part time after maternity leave. She met with her boss in January and they discussed and had several other verbal conversations subsequently. Despite chasing him she did not get any results. She then sent an email to HR making the request. The company is now saying that they have some time to review since receiving her request in June. They have refused to acknowledge that she made the request in January. She has lost wages as she has not yet been able to work and has also been having to pay childcare to ensure she kept her children's places at day care. So my question is ..... does she have a leg to stand on pushing the fact that she made the request in January, or does it only become recognised once it is in writing? Thanks!

[muchlovex]

Hi,
I am no expert but I would always make such requests in formally in writing, as then it is recognised by the employer.
If she verbally informed her manager in January, then there is no proof as it's her word against his.

In essence, she probably has no leg to stand on in this case.

[bednobs]

she should look at her mat leave policy from work. I have just looked at mine and it says i must make any change application in writing 56 days before i'm due to return