Flexible Working: Responding

If you receive a flexible working request under the statutory scheme you must:

• Deal with it in a reasonable manner;
• Notify the employee of your decision within 3 months (including any appeal), unless an extension is agreed; and
• Only refuse a request on one or more of the statutory grounds e.g. the burden of additional costs; detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand; and inability to reorganise work among existing staff.

In practice you will usually discuss the employee’s request with them before making a decision, which should be confirmed in writing.

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