Flexible working

Flexible working can take many forms - from a simple change in your working hours to job sharing or working from home.

Whilst there is no automatic right to flexible working if you are a  parent of a child aged under 16 (or 18 if your child is disabled) or if you are responsible for the care of an adult (perhaps an elderly relative) who lives with you and you have worked for your employer for at least 26 weeks then you have the right to request it. The request must be made in writing.

Your employer must seriously consider any application which you make, and can only reject it if there is a good business reason for doing so.

Following your request your employer must arrange a meeting with you within 28 days and must notify you of their decision in writing within 14 days of that meeting. If your employer has rejected your request it must set out its reasons for doing so. If you don't agree with their decision you have 14 days to appeal and your employer must then reconsider its decision.

If you think you that your employer has rejected your request for no good reason or failed to follow the correct procedure you are entitled to bring a claim for compensation before an employment tribunal. Strict time limits apply so its important that you contact us as soon as possible.