If you’ve been re-evaluating how, when and where you want to work, it helps to first understand exactly what flexible working is and how you can put together a solid business case to request it from your employer.

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The Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025) will make flexible working a default day one right (apart from when it is not reasonably feasible). This change is not expected to take effect until 2027. Keep up to date with the latest on these changes with our Tracker of potential law changes.
 
This page outlines the current legislation that should still be followed until any changes come into force. We will update this page once any changes are enforced.

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