Right to request flexible working | Family-friendly rights and policies | FAQs | HR Tools

Which employees are eligible for the statutory right to request flexible working?

Updated to reflect that the right to request flexible working is a day-one right from 6 April 2024.

How should an employer respond to a request for flexible working?

Updated to reflect changes to the process for dealing with statutory flexible working requests, in place from 6 April 2024.

Is there any right of appeal where an employer rejects an application for flexible working?

Updated to reflect that, from 6 April 2024, employers must inform the employee of their decision on a flexible working request within two months.

Can employees make as many requests for flexible working as they wish?

Updated to reflect that, from 6 April 2024, employees can make two flexible working requests in any 12-month period.

Where an employee about to go on maternity leave requests to return on reduced hours, must the employer consider their request at that point?

Updated to reflect changes to the right to request flexible working in place from 6 April 2024, including that the employer must respond within two months.

Does an employee have the right to be accompanied at a meeting to discuss a statutory request for flexible working?

Updated to reflect the updated version of the Acas code, applicable from 6 April 2024.

What should an employer do if an older employee requests to change their working pattern in preparation for retirement?

Updated to reflect changes to the right to request flexible working in place from 6 April 2024, including a requirement to consult with the employee.

What is a statutory flexible working request?

Updated to reflect changes to the right to request flexible working in place from 6 April 2024, including that it is now a day-one right.

Where a statutory application for flexible working is acceptable as it stands, is the employer obliged to arrange a meeting to discuss the request?

Updated to reflect changes to the right to request flexible working in place from 6 April 2024, including that the employer must respond within two months.

If an employee withdraws their statutory application for flexible working can they then make another request?

Updated to reflect that, from 6 April 2024, employees can make two statutory flexible working requests in any 12-month period.

FAQs

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