Essential points
-
Employees do not have a right to flexible working but they do have a right to make a flexible working request (for example, to change their hours or place of work) provided they have 26 weeks’ service (although this qualification will be removed in 2024).
-
They are currently restricted to making one flexible working request every 12 months (but this will change to two requests a year).
-
Employers currently have three months to respond to requests (although this will change to two months).
CIPD member content
This content is only available for CIPD members
If you’re already a CIPD member, please sign in to access this content
Disclaimer
Please note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.
Bullying
and harassment
Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.
CIPD Trust
Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.
Related content on flexible and hybrid working
Carl Quilliam recounts the CIPD’s activities at the UK’s three main political party conferences in 2023
Podcast 200: Listen to our podcast on the impact of hybrid working on organisational culture and whether organisations should mandate a return to the physical workplace.
Read our response to Acas’ consultation on handling requests for flexible working
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues involved in an employment tribunal claim, including Q&As and relevant case law
Keep up to date with the latest employment law developments and proposed future changes
Explore our collection of resources on redundancy, including managing and planning for redundancies, commonly asked Q&As and relevant case law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to sex discrimination in the workplace, including pregnancy and maternity discrimination