Key takeaways
- Flexible working is a day-one right since 6 April 2024.
- Employees can make two statutory requests per rolling 12-month period.
- You must respond within two months, including any appeal.
- You can only refuse on one of eight statutory business grounds.
- Consult with the employee before refusing, failure to do so is grounds for a tribunal claim.
Since 6 April 2024, the statutory flexible working regime has changed significantly. Here's what UK employers need to know.
What's a statutory request? A formal written request to change working pattern, hours or location. The new rules apply to every employee from day one.
The eight grounds for refusal 1. Burden of additional costs 2. Detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand 3. Inability to reorganise work among existing staff 4. Inability to recruit additional staff 5. Detrimental impact on quality 6. Detrimental impact on performance 7. Insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work 8. Planned structural changes
Process Acknowledge within a few days, meet to discuss, decide and communicate in writing within two months (including any appeal). Document the consultation, tribunals look closely at whether you actually engaged.
This content is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, please contact one of our HR experts.
