Did you know that from July 2014 all employees in the UK are due to have the statutory right to request flexible working arrangements, including home working for part or all of your working hours?
The right to request flexible working will apply to all employees who have at least 26 weeks continuous employment, rather than as previously only to those with children under 17 or specific adult carer responsibilities.
The employer does not have to agree to home working arrangements but will need to provide good business reasons for their refusal. Reasons could include, for instance, extra costs, effect on other employees, effect on work quality or customer service. If you’re refused you have the right to appeal.
To request a change to working from home you need to submit a ‘Statutory Application’, after which your employer must discuss the request with you and reach a decision within 6 weeks of the application date. Part of the discussion will be to consider the same issues of health and safety that apply in any workplace; electrical equipment, seating, light and heat levels and so on.
If agreed, possibly following a trial period, the new working arrangements will become a formal part of your employment contract.
Read more:
ACAS – The Right to Request Flexible Working
Gov.uk – Flexible Working
cipd – Flexible Working Factsheet
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