by Helen Milgate and Humphrey Forest
The new right to request flexible working, introduced by section 47 of the Employment Act 2002, comes into force on April 6th 2003. Its limitations may come as a relief to employers, and a disappointment to those expecting a positive right to flexible working. Essentially, the new right is no more than a right for parents of children under 6 (under 18 if the child is disabled) to have a request for flexible working considered at a meeting. The request can be turned down for a number of business related reasons.
Outline of the new right
The new right is limited to requests to vary the hours, times or place of work. It might cover, for example, a request to work only during school hours or term time, but does not extend to a request to vary duties.
