Employees currently have the right to make a formal flexible working request, only once they have completed 26 weeks’ service with their employer. As far back as 2022, the government indicated their intention to change this rule to make the right to request flexible working a day one employment right. They have now published legislation making good on their promise.
The Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 were laid before Parliament in December 2023. They remove the requirement that an employee must have 26 weeks’ service in order to be able to make a request for flexible working, making the right to request flexible working a day one right.
The new right will come into effect for flexible working applications made on or after 6 April 2024. Employers should make sure that flexible working policies are amended to take account of this change.
Find out how we can help. Our partner, Jon Dunkley, heads the Wollens specialist Employment Department. Contact him today for an informal chat, without obligation on 01271 342268 or via email at [email protected].
