Flexible working - it just got harder to say "No"

It has been labelled as "New rights to request flexible working", but employees have always been able to ask.  The changes are seen in how an employer can respond.

From 30th June 2014, it will be harder to refuse a request.  If an employer wants to refuse such a request and the employee has 26 weeks service and has requested it referring to the regulations, even if the change is just a lifestyle change and not to care for a relative or child.  The employer can only refuse if the reason for a refusal fails within 8 business reasons which include: "the burden of additional costs" and "detrimental impact on quality".

Further danger zones for employers exist in the way the request is handled.  The procedure has been changed to be far less prescriptive but the request must be "dealt within a reasonable manner".