Flexible Working

From April 2009 employers can expect a massive increase in the number of employees requesting flexible working. New legislation has substantially extended the number of employees who will be eligible to apply for a change in their working arrangements.

The Employment Act 2002 introduced a statutory right for employees to request flexible working which can include changes to the number of hour worked, work patterns or work location. The right applies to employees who have worked for the employer for 26 weeks and who have parental responsibility for a child. The age limit for the children has now been extended from under the age of 6 years old to children up to the age of 16.

Not only should employers be prepared for an increase in requests, but they should also ensure that they have the appropriate systems and documents in place in order to respond to and manage those requests effectively.

The right to request flexible working still also applies to employees with disabled children under 18, or care for an adult who lives with them.