Flexible Working Requests
Flexible working is an integral part of modern employment, but requests can raise operational, contractual and legal challenges. It is essential for employers to obtain expert advice on handling flexible working requests fairly, lawfully - and in a way that balances business needs with employee expectations.
All employees have the statutory right to request flexible working from the first day of their employment and requests can only be refused on one of eight statutory grounds (e.g. burden of cost, detrimental impact on quality / service).
Expert advice is needed to ensure requests to handled fairly and in a way that is legally compliant in order to avoid claims under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Equality Act 2010. It is also essential for operational planning that requests are handled in such a way that protects productivity and service delivery - it is not just about risk management.
How We Can Help
- Drafting and reviewing flexible working policies;
- Advising on employee requests for part-time work, remote work, compressed hours, job sharing and other arrangements;
- Supporting formal consultation and trial arrangements;
- Managing appeals and disputes relating to requests;
- Integrating flexible working arrangements within Contracts.
Why Choose Us
- Experienced Employment Solicitors with practical HR and commercial insight;
- Tailored advice to balance employee rights and business needs;
- Fixed fee packages for policy drafting;
- Strategic guidance to enable you to handle requests and implement flexible working successfully;
- Dispute support if appropriate.
Speak to our Employment Team to ensure your flexible working policies and decisions are legally sound and operationally viable, reduce the risk of disputes, grievances and even Tribunal claims.
