Handling a Request for Flexible Working
Guidance for Employers

If an employee has satisfied all the conditions to apply for flexible working, employers needs to consider the application and either agree to this (notifying your employee of this in writing [1]), or hold a meeting to discuss the application [2]; a meeting should be held within 28 days after the date the application is made [2], and follow this up within 14 days specifying what their decision is [3].

Decisions to agree the application need to [4]:

• be in writing;
• specify the employment contract variations agreed to, stating the date on which the variation is to take effect.

As there are only certain grounds an application for flexible working can be refused, employers are advised to check they are acting in accordance with the employment laws by contacting Employment Law Clinic.

Footnotes: Employment Law on Dealing with Applications for Flexible Working