Since 30 June 2014 every employee has the statutory right to request flexible working (such as changing hours or place of work) after 26 weeks employment service.

Employers have a duty to consider requests in a reasonable manner, considering whether the request can be accommodated on business grounds. ACAS have produced a Code of Practice which will be taken into account by employment tribunals. 

For more details visit the ACAS website.

Employees who have worked for their employer for at least 26 weeks can apply to make a permanent change to their terms and conditions. Only one request is allowed per year. Employers can refuse a request, but must give good business reasons from a specific list which is set out in the law.

Some employers will have an internal appeals procedure, although there is no legal requirement for them to do so. The ACAS Code of Practice recommends that an employee should be allowed to appeal against a negative decision, and be accompanied by a work colleague or union representative at an appeal meeting.

For more information on the right to request flexible working download our guide Supporting working carers: A guide to requesting flexible working or view our section on employees’ rights here. You can also visit GOV.UK for more information.