Flexible working refers to a way of working that is tailored to the needs of your employee. This can include things like a flexible start or finish time and the option to work from home. All employees now have the option to request flexible working, it isn’t just parents and carers. There are, however, conditions. As a business owner you need to understand flexible working eligibility and know how to deal with a flexible working request.
Our team of highly qualified specialists will guide you through ACAS flexible working requests. We will ensure that we support businesses like yours to lead you through the right process, ease the burden, and save you time, money, and worry. Ultimately, our skilled advisors work with you to get flexible working requests right to ensure you avoid a tribunal claim. We provide clear advice, taking into account all applicable considerations.
Actionable advice on flexible working
How to deal with flexible working requests
As an employer, you are required to deal with flexible working requests in a ‘reasonable manner’. This means you need to assess each request on merit and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each application. There should also be a clear process in place for flexible working requests, which will mean holding a meeting to discuss the request with the employee and offering an appeal process.
Our team of specialists can ensure that you follow the correct procedure, saving you time and money.
We recommend these steps:
- Call us NOW for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation with our experts to ensure your process is lawful.
- We can offer a complimentary critique of your current documentation and go through any non compliance.
- (Optional): Book a free follow-up call if you have any further questions
Understanding Flexible Working Requests
Do I Have to Allow a Flexible Working Request?
If you’ve got staff who are looking for a job-sharing arrangement, working from home, working part-time, doing compressed hours, annualised hours, or even phased retirement, it’s important to deal with the situation correctly. Employer Advice provides telephone-based advice, 24/7, 365 days a year to employers on zero-hours employment. The role of Employer Advice is to keep your business safe and legally compliant.
Our team of specialists can ensure that you follow the correct procedure, saving you time and money.
- Who can request flexible working?
- Is it a legal requirement to allow employees to work flexibly?
- How can I accommodate a flexible working request?
- Is there a process that must be followed to request flexible working?
- Can an employer allow some employees to work flexibly but not others?
- Is there a health and safety assessment required by HSE for flexible working?
Flexible working explained
What Happens if I Don't Handle a Flexible Working Request Properly?
In the event that an employer doesn’t handle a flexible working request fairly or in a reasonable manner, the employee may well have a case to take you to a tribunal. Employers can refuse an application, however they must be able to show a good business reason for doing so.
Failure to understand your obligations or the rights of your employees can leave your business open to costly litigation. If you’re guessing, you’re taking a risk.
IF you employ or manage staff and you’re currently handling flexible working requests, why not call us to get our comprehensive guide to flexible working to reduce stress and worry.
OUR EXPERIENCE
Assisting Employers For More than 40 Years
Flexible working requests are extremely commonplace as we adapt to new working environments, so you need to know your obligations. On top of staying compliant, you want your business to adapt to a changing employment landscape.
Employer Advice understand the challenges when you’re employing or managing staff. We can assist with all issues, whether simple or complicated and help you avoid costly tribunals.
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