Work system to bend on this third occasion (9)
I believe the answer is:
flexitime
'work system' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'bend on this third occasion' is the wordplay.
'bend' becomes 'flex' (synonyms).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (in a down clue, letters appear on others).
'this third' becomes 'i' (erd letter of 'this').
'occasion' becomes 'time' (I've seen this before).
'flex'+'i'+'time'='FLEXITIME'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for flexitime that I've seen before include "A system of convenience in working hours" , "System of adaptable working hours" , "System allowing workers to vary their hours" .)