Laws on flexible working set to change

The Government has recently responded to the Consultation on Making Flexible Working the Default, and has made the following commitments, which are a must for HR teams and managers to be aware of:

• Removing the 26-week qualifying period before employees can request flexible working;
• Maintaining the list of 8 business grounds to reject requests;
• Requiring employers to consult with employees, to explore available options, before rejecting a request;
• Allowing employees to make 2 requests in any 12-month period (up from 1);
• Requiring employers to respond to requests within 2 months (down from 3); and
• Removing the requirement for employees to set out how the effects of their request might be dealt with by their employer.

It is unclear when the new rules will be enacted via legislation, but given the significance of the changes, we advise that employers review their current flexible working request procedures and policies now to ensure they are prepared to implement the changes in due course and respond accordingly.

To discuss managing your current flexible working practices, or if you would like advice on how to implement the forthcoming changes, please contact Laura McHugh on Laura.C.McHugh@forbessolicitors.co.uk