Plans to extend the new right to request flexible working, introduced as
part of the Employment Act on 6 April, are already being considered by the
Government.
The right gives parents of children aged under six and disabled children
under 18 the right to request more flexible working arrangements from
employers.
As the new right came into force last week, trade and industry secretary
Patricia Hewitt hinted she would consider extending the right to all parents
when it is reviewed in three years’ time. "We’ll have a look at"
granting the right to older children and teenagers as well, she said.