The law governing flexible working has been evolving over the past decade and now gives a good deal of protection to employees.
The right to make the request is now a day one right and requests can be made twice a year. Employees no longer need to be able to justify the reason for the request. Although it is still more likely to be employees asking for childcare reasons (and typically female), employees can now make the request for other reasons e.g. wanting to reduce hours because they are heading towards retirement or perhaps because they want to take up a new hobby or volunteering. It may simply be because they want a better work/ life balance.
Either way, it is now a day one right, and the reason for the request is largely irrelevant.
What does a flexible working solicitor do?
Understanding the legal requirements and criteria for refusal is essential. A well-drafted and properly submitted flexible working policy gives employees and managers clarity on how to handle requests and mitigate future claims.
Our experienced team of employment solicitors at B P Collins can draft employment contracts and company policies to set businesses up for success. If you receive an application for flexible working, we are here to help. We offer an end-to-end service, advising on the initial application through to appeal (if needed).
Our service includes dealing with the application and considering whether or not allowing the application is feasible and commercial. We can advise on timings and eligibility, discuss legal strategies and whether if appropriate you can rely on one of the eight grounds for refusal.
We can assist with the subsequent outcome letter as well as guiding you through any appeal process.
Ultimately, we can help with any negotiations or ultimately a claim in the employment tribunal.
It is important to remember that in certain circumstances eg where the person making the application is making the application for childcare related reasons, the employee may also have a claim for sex discrimination.
Why choose B P Collins as your flexible working solicitors?
With 50+ years of experience and extensive knowledge, we’re consistently ranked in legal directories such as Chambers UK and The Legal 500, for the strength of our employment practice. The firm has been named in The Times Best Law Firms from 2022-2024.
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 employment solicitors today
For further information or advice please contact our flexible working lawyers, who are based in London, Ickenham, Thame and Gerrards Cross, on 01753 889995 or enquiries@bpcollins.co.uk.
