The law governing flexible working has been evolving over the past decade and now better reflects the world we live in and the need for a healthy work/life balance. You might be trying to juggle childcare or other caring responsibilities, trying to reduce your hours as you head towards retirement, taking up a new hobby, volunteering or simply because you want a healthier work/ life balance. Either way, the law now gives you a day one right to request flexible working and the reason for the request is largely irrelevant.  

Understanding the legal requirements is essential. A well-drafted and properly submitted flexible working request gives you the best chance of success, and we can help to ensure that.  

What does a flexible working solicitor do?

If you are looking to make a change in your working schedule, our flexible working solicitors are here to help. We offer an end-to-end service, advising on the initial application with your employers through to appeal (if needed).

Our flexible working service will include:

  • helping you to draft and submit a formal request;
  • advising you on timings and eligibility;
  • discussing legal strategies with you to bolster your case; and
  • explaining to you the potential legal ramifications of changing your work schedule in the requested way.

We will also guide you through appeals or rejections:

  • reviewing the reasons for rejection and assessing their legality;
  • drafting appeal letters and handling any disputes; and
  • helping you through any further negotiations or ultimately a claim in the employment tribunal.

It is important to remember that if an employer refuses a flexible working application or acts in retaliation against you for submitting one, you may also have a potential claim for discrimination.

Why choose B P Collins as your flexible working solicitors?

With over 50 years of experience in employment law, we’re consistently ranked by Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for the strength of our employment practice. Our solicitors have helped many employees – from junior staff to senior executives – navigate flexible working with confidence and clarity.

The flexible working solicitors at B P Collins are also members of the Employment Lawyers Association.

Price and service transparency

We pride ourselves on achieving the best possible and most cost effective outcomes for our clients, be that through pursuing a strike out of some or all of a claim or defence or negotiating an appropriate settlement.

View our price and service transparency here.

Contact our flexible working solicitors today

If you require legal assistance or advice on flexible working matters, do not hesitate to get in touch with our experienced team of employment lawyers, who are based in London, Ickenham, Thame and Gerrards Cross, on 01753 889995 or email enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.

Flexible Working FAQs

Does my employer have to agree to my request?
No – there are eight statutory grounds for an employer to refuse a request.  
Do I have any other potential claims if my employer refuses?
Yes – for example if you are making the request because you have childcare responsibilities, such a refusal could give you a claim for sex discrimination.
Our Advice for employees services

Flexible working Specialists

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Flexible working solicitors in...

London
Ickenham
Gerrards Cross
Thame

Parking

Ample parking is available through pay and display means on public roads, as well as additional parking situated just across the street beside the Ickenham library.

Parking
Ample parking is situated at the end of Station Road in the public Pay and Display car park, opposite Waitrose. Unfortunately, we do not have visitor parking available at the B P Collins office.

Disabled access to our offices is available.

Parking
There is limited on-site parking available, with additional paid street parking outside of the office. Ample parking can also be found at Waitrose car park close by, which is free for 2 hours and located around a 3 minute walk from the office.

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