On 6 April 2024, the new Code of Practice on flexible working requests came into force..
This aligns with the enactment of the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023, which established the right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 brings workers new benefits, including:
- Flexible working requests becoming a day-one right;
- Employers must consult before rejecting a flexible working request;
- Two statutory requests in any 12-month period;
- Decision time reduced to two months; and
- Elimination of requirement for employees to explain impact of requested changes on employers.
The updated statutory Code of Practice encompasses the changes outlined in both the Act and the Regulations. The code can be accessed here: Code of Practice on requests for flexible working | Acas
