How should an employer respond to a flexible working request

Employers must deal with statutory requests for flexible working in a reasonable manner and must consult with the employee, unless it is prepared to accept the employee's request in full.

Employers must notify the employee of its decision within two months of the request, or a longer period if agreed with the employee. The Acas code of practice on requests for flexible working sets out guidance for employers and will be taken into account by employment tribunals.

The code recommends that employers should:

• arrange a consultation meeting with the employee, without unreasonable delay, to discuss the application (unless the intention is to approve the request in full);

• allow the employee to be accompanied by a fellow worker or a union representative or official, if they make a reasonable request for a companion;

• carefully assess the effect of the requested change for both the employer and the employee, such as the potential benefits or other impacts of accepting or rejecting it;

• inform the employee of its decision in writing, without reasonable delay; and

• if the request is rejected, clearly explain the business reasons and give the employee the option to appeal the decision.