Flexible Working
Flexible working is working arrangements different from standard patterns, including remote work, part-time, compressed hours, or flexitime. UK employees can request changes from day one.
legal-terms
Category
beginner
Difficulty
5 min read
Read time
2025-01-15
Updated
Definition
Short definition
Flexible working is working arrangements different from standard patterns, including remote work, part-time, compressed hours, or flexitime. UK employees can request changes from day one.
Detailed explanation
Flexible working covers various arrangements including part-time, remote/hybrid work, compressed hours, flexitime, job sharing, term-time working, and annualized hours.
In the UK, all employees have the right to request flexible working from day one (changed from 26 weeks in April 2024). Employees can make two requests per year.
Employers must deal with requests reasonably, consult the employee, and decide within 2 months. Refusal must be based on one of eight business reasons. Appeals should be allowed.
Practical guidance
How it works
Employee makes written request. Employer consults, considers, and decides within 2 months. Accept, reject with reason, or discuss alternatives.
Best practices
Have clear flexible working policy
Consider each request individually
Conduct trial periods where unsure
Document reasons for decisions
Consider alternatives if refusing
Legal context
Legal basis
Employment Rights Act 1996 (as amended by Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023)
Jurisdiction: United Kingdom
Key provisions
Right to request from day one
Two requests per year allowed
Decision within 2 months
Eight business reasons for refusal
Employer must consult
Permanent change unless agreed otherwise
Official source
Frequently asked questions
Can my employer refuse flexible working?
Yes, but only for one of eight business reasons: burden of costs, inability to reorganize work, inability to recruit, negative impact on quality/performance/ability to meet demand, lack of work during proposed hours, or planned structural changes.
Is flexible working permanent?
Yes, an accepted flexible working request is a permanent change to your contract unless you agree a trial period or fixed term. You would need to request to change back.
Related glossary terms
Remote Work
Remote work is a working arrangement where employees perform their duties from locations outside the traditional office, typically from home.
Working Time Regulations
The Working Time Regulations 1998 implement EU law in the UK, limiting average working hours to 48 per week and providing minimum rest breaks and annual leave.