New date announced for extension to flexible working requests

The Government has announced a new implementation date for the extension to all employees of the right to request flexible working.

As published last month, delays to the Children and Families Bill meant that the extension of the right to request flexible working to all employees would not come into force on 6 April 2014 as previously planned. Currently, only employees with children under the age of 17 (18 if the child is disabled) or who are carers have the right to request a flexible pattern of work.

The new provisions will now come into force from 30 June 2014.

The announcement of the new implementation date was made by Jenny Willott (pictured above), minister for employment relations and consumer affairs, who is covering Jo Swinson’s maternity leave.