You may have a proper reason to request more time or postpone an HR meeting, including missing evidence, insufficient notice, representative availability, sickness or a need for reasonable adjustments. The request should be early, specific and proportionate.
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Reasons that may justify more time
- The purpose, allegations or policy stage are unclear.
- Important documents have not been supplied or arrived too late to review.
- Your chosen companion or union representative is unavailable.
- Sickness or health means you cannot participate fairly at the proposed time.
- An Occupational Health assessment or adjustment decision is needed first.
- The meeting clashes with pre-booked leave, treatment or an unavoidable commitment.
- A new allegation or large evidence item has been introduced.
How to make the request
Explain what prevents proper participation, what you need, the earliest reasonable alternative and what you will do during the extra time. Avoid vague requests to delay indefinitely. Offer dates and keep the focus on preparation, health, representation or fairness.
Do not simply fail to attend
An unexplained absence can allow the meeting to proceed without you or create another issue. Make the request in writing, stay available and seek union advice if the department refuses.
Members can unlock: a postponement decision tool, reason-by-reason wording, companion-unavailability request, health and adjustment scripts, late-evidence objections, alternative-date planning and steps to take if the meeting proceeds or the request is refused.
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