The right to request flexible working has changed. Since April 2015, all employees, (with the exception of agency workers) with 26 weeks continuous service can make a flexible working request. Previously, this right was confined to employees who had children or those who had caring responsibilities. The right has now been extended!

Flexible working can be beneficial for employees and employers alike. People often strive to have a realistic work/life balance and making a request which an employer agrees to can go a long way in achieving that goal.

What is flexible working?  Flexible working is a phrase that describes any working pattern which is adapted to suit your needs. Common types of flexible working are:

• part-time;

• flexi-time;

• annualised hours;

• compressed hours;        

• staggered hours;             

• job sharing;

• working from home.

This list is not exhaustive and there may be other forms of flexible working that are better suited to you and your employer.

Furthermore, do keep in mind that this is a right to request flexible working not an automatic right to it! There are a number of considerations that the employer has to take into account before consenting to a request.

If you have any queries regarding a flexible working contact call us on 028 90243 901.