Consultation on simplifying flexible working red tape

The government has launched a consultation on ways that employee requests for flexible working can be handled more efficiently.

The consultation is part of the government’s decision to extend the right to ask for flexible working to parents with children aged 16 and under.

One aim of the consultation is to reduce the administrative burden faced by employers when dealing with requests.

This may involve scrapping the requirement that employers write formally to staff to advise them their request has been accepted.

The consultation will also consider ways to raise awareness of the right to request flexible working among employees and to boost knowledge of the range of free tools available to make dealing with requests quicker and simpler for businesses.

Pat McFadden, the Employment Minister, said: “The right to request flexible working has worked well because it helps employees to balance their home and work lives, but at the same time gives employers the right to say no where there are legitimate business concerns.

“Parenting requirements don’t end as children get older. We think it is right to extend this successful scheme and help parents of older children access the flexibility they need.”

Employer and employee representatives, parents, unions, business and family organisations have all been invited to contribute to the consultation.

The consultation document is available at †http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file47434.pdf