Extension of Flexible Working Rights – New Implementation Date

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced that the extension of the right to request flexible working arrangements to all employees who have completed 26 weeks’ qualifying service will come into effect on 30 June 2014. The right currently applies to employees who have children under the age of 17 (18 if the child is disabled) or those who have caring responsibilities.



Delays to the Children and Families Bill meant that the extension of the right could not come into force on 6 April 2014 as previously planned. The Bill is now expected to gain Royal Assent this month.



From 30 June, the current statutory procedure that applies to flexible working requests will be repealed. Instead, employers will have a duty to consider all requests in a reasonable manner. They will have the flexibility to refuse requests on business grounds.