Carers of children aged under 17 have been given the right to request flexible working under new Regulations.  Previously, this right applied just to carers of children under six or disabled children under 18 but has been extended after the Government accepted the conclusions of the Walsh Report.

Simon Thomas, partner specialising in employment law, comments "The new right to request flexible working affects 4.5 million people which is 5 times as many people as before. Employers do not, of course, have to accede to any request so long as they rely upon one approved grounds under the Regulations which, broadly speaking, relate to the business needs, ability to meet customer demands and difficulties in reorganisation. Employers who receive such requests are well advised to take legal advice to ensure that they are dealt with properly and to avoid claims for compensation"

Simon Thomas can be contacted on 01639 640164 or at simon.thomas@hutchinsonthomas.com