Understand the flexible working rules
For some years, employers have needed to respond seriously to requests for flexible working from employees who are parents or guardians of children aged under six - or under 18, if the child is disabled.
More recently, this right to request greater flexibility has been extended to people who care for adult relatives, to adopters, to foster carers and to those with parental responsibility for a child following a Court Order.
Any employee who makes such a request must have worked for their employer continuously for 26 weeks or more. Provided this is the case, the employer is only able to refuse a request if there is a clear business reason for doing so.
There is often much to consider for both parties. The term 'flexible working' covers many different scenarios, from part-time and job-sharing, to compressed hours (where the employee works the same number of hours over fewer days) and annualised hours, where the hours to be worked are calculated over a full year.
To find out more about your responsibilities and the options open to you, contact Bethan Southcombe on 0117 9290451 or email employment@metcalfes.co.uk.
Contact
Judith Ellery Head of Employment
Bethan Southcombe Solicitor
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This article summarises the law on issues which we believe may be of interest to your business. It is not a comprehensive review of the subjects and accordingly is published without responsibility for loss occasioned to any person(s) acting or refraining from action as a result of information published. This document is provided for information only and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from any action as a result of the contents of this document.