To reflect changes in the laws relating to flexible working requests, Acas has produced a new Code of Practice.

What’s it all about?

Where an employee submits a formal flexible working request to their employer, the law prescribes the manner in which that request should be handled. In particular, employers are required to follow the applicable Acas Code of Practice. The code can also be helpful in cases where employers are handling informal flexible working requests as well.

Where can you find the new Code?

You can find a copy of the new Code of Practice via the link here.

Presently, it is still in draft form. However, we fully expect it to come into force on 6 April 2024, when flexible working laws are due to be updated more generally.  

So what else is changing?

Significantly, from 6 April 2024, all employees will be able to make a formal flexible working request from their first day of employment, rather than having to wait until they accrue 26 weeks’ service. Employees will also be able to make two requests in any 12-month period, rather than being limited to only one.

Need more help?

If you are dealing with a flexible working request, either now or after 6 April 2024, and need our advice on how to properly handle it, please get in touch.