A Company’s Obligation to Flexible Working Request’s in the United Kingdom

If you have a workforce in the United Kingdom, it’s likely you’ll receive a “flexible working request” from a staff member at one point or another. If you are unsure of how to proceed in handling the request, TCWGlobal is here to help!  

"Flexible working" refers to a work arrangement agreed upon by a company and its employee, which determines when, where, and how the employee works. This can include part-time schedules, remote work, hybrid models, compressed hours, and more. With the evolving job market in the UK, flexible working arrangements offer greater opportunities for people with caregiving responsibilities, health limitations, or other personal commitments that previously hindered steady employment. 

Flexible Working in the UK: What’s Changed?  

Effective, April 6, 2024, the right to request flexible working arrangements became a day one right for all workers. This means that instead of facing a 26-week waiting period, workers now have the right to request a flexible working arrangement from the first day of employment. The following additional changes have also taken effect: 

• Workers will be able to make two flexible working requests in any 12-month period instead of one request in a 12-month period. 

• Companies are now required to respond to a flexible working request within two months of receiving request. This was previously 3 months.  

• Workers no longer need to explain the impact of their request when applying. 

• Companies now need to consult with the worker before rejecting the request.  

While companies have the right to reject a flexible working request, they must offer careful consideration and caution that is specific to the situation and their business needs at the time. Companies should also pay close attention to their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 when reviewing a flexible working request.  

How can TCWGlobal Help Navigate Flexible Working Obligations?  

By utilizing TCWGlobal for your hiring in the United Kingdom, our dedicated team will help you navigate the complexities of responding to flexible working arrangement requests by partnering with your organization and ensuring that the request and responses are handled in a compliant manner in accordance with the ACAS Code of Practice on flexible working.  

TCWGlobal can work with your team to create a flexible working policy, along with request acknowledgement and outcome letters. We will help navigate any complexities of this request from the acknowledgement, consultations, and any potential appeals that may occur to provide a smooth process for all involved. 

Looking for more information on navigating the complexities of employment in the United Kingdom or ready to join the TCWGlobal family? Click here to request more information and be connected to one of our awesome team members. 

More information on flexible working arrangements in the UK can be found here: https://www.acas.org.uk/flexible-working  

https://www.acas.org.uk/acas-code-of-practice-on-flexible-working-requests