The UK government has published its response to a consultation on improving access to flexible working, confirming that it will introduce significant reforms designed to strengthen employees’ ability to secure flexible working arrangements.
The reforms will also work to encourage more meaningful dialogue between employers and employees before requests are refused.
Anne Sammon, employment law expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “While the reforms are not expected to take effect until next autumn, employers should use the period before implementation to review flexible working policies, refresh manager training and ensure decision makers are equipped to engage in meaningful consultation discussions.”
Flexible working became a ‘day one’ right, from the beginning of employment, in April 2024. Since then, employers have been required to handle requests reasonably, consult with employees before rejecting requests and rely on one of the statutory business grounds for refusal. However, the current framework does not prescribe what consultation must involve. The government concluded that this has led to inconsistent practices and, in some cases, requests being rejected without sufficient discussion of alternatives.
The consultation response (44 pages/633 KB PDF) highlights evidence that many employees continue to face barriers when seeking flexible working. While respondents frequently linked flexibility with improved...
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