Flexible working
Flexible working is any working pattern that is adapted for the benefit of the individual and that also suits their employer. The types of flexible working include part-time, flexi-time, compressed hours, staggered hours, term time working, job sharing and working from home. It’s important to remember though, that the rules give people the right to ask for flexible working, not the right to have it. It might also be worth having a chat with your HR Department to see if they are able to make things a little easier for you, or whether they are able to offer you flexible working.
Once an employer has received a flexible working application, they have a legal duty to consider the request seriously with the aim of deciding whether the business can accommodate the requested work pattern. If the employer agrees, they should give the employee a new contract. Employers may only refuse requests where there is a clear business ground for doing so and must give a written explanation explaining why. Employees have a right to appeal this decision. Employees cannot appeal against the decision if they only disagree with the business reasons for rejecting the application.