News In Focus
16 May 2008
Flexible working chance for all parents
All parents of children aged up to 16 will be able to request flexible working from their employer under an extension of the current legal right, the government announced yesterday.
At present the right applies to parents of children under six, or under 18 if the child is disabled. The announcement reflects the recommendation of an independent review.
Employers are entitled to refuse a request on certain business-related grounds, such as additional costs, inability to reorganise work among existing staff, and detrimental impact on performance. The employee can complain to an employment tribunal if they feel the refusal was unjustified.
Small business leaders expressed concern at the additional burden it would place, and the CBI in Scotland called on the government to give firms enough time to prepare.