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.

Speak to Jon Dunkley

Jon is a Partner at Wollens and can advise you. Contact Jon via email jon.dunkley@wollens.co.uk or call 01271 341021.

You can also complete an online enquiry form. One of the Wollens team will contact you as soon as they are available.