Around 20 million people in Great Britain can now request flexible working, thanks to the government’s extension of the right to all employees which came into force 2 years ago today (30 June 2016).
Flexible working gives employees and employers a chance to try new ways of working, which will improve productivity and help more people to remain in work.
Two years ago, the government extended the right to apply for flexible working to all employees, as long as they have at least 26 weeks’ service with their current employer.
Before 30 June 2014, the right only applied to parents of children under the age of 17 years (or 18 years if the child was disabled) and certain carers.
There are many types of flexible working, such as job sharing, working from home, working full-time but over fewer days, flexitime and part-time working.
Requests must be considered and decided upon by your employer within 3 months of the receipt of the request.
Employers must have a sound business reason for rejecting any request.