More Flexible Working for More Employees

From 30th June the right to request flexible working will extend to all employees who have been working continuously for 26 weeks.

Flexible working covers types of employment contract as well as places of work, enabling employees and employers to vary traditional working patterns. Examples of typical flexible working arrangements include job sharing, working from home and changing the hours or times of work.

Under the new employment rules, the right to request flexible working will be extended and the complex statutory procedure for dealing with requests replaced:

• The right will be extended to all employees after 26 weeks' service, rather than only those with children under 17 or carers;
• Employers will have a duty to deal with all requests in a reasonable manner and to notify employees of their decision within three months, unless an extension is agreed;
• Once agreed, the change is made to the employment contract and is permanent;
• An employee may appeal against an outcome but can only make one application in a year.

To help employees understand their new right and employers make preparations to comply with their new duty, Acas has published good practice guidance on handling requests to work flexibly (pdf).

Contact our Employment Lawyers in Glasgow

If you are would like to change the terms of your employment contract or think flexible working time might benefit your business, call us today on 0141 811 0224 or fill out our online enquiry form.