Revised flexible working rules

Revised rules will apply to all employees with at least 26 weeks’ service, and there will no longer be a requirement to show a ‘caring’ commitment.

The rules will introduce a requirement for requests to be dealt with ‘in a reasonable manner’ rather than in accordance with a statutory process, and the seven model documents currently in use for requests and responses (FW (A) to FW (G)) will no longer apply.

However, employers must consider the whole request, including any appeal, within three months of first receiving the original request for flexible working. As currently, any agreed variation to the contract of employment will be permanent.

A new Factsheet on Requesting flexible working and a revised “Family friendly” booklet for GB clients are both available in Citnet.