Where a statutory application for flexible working is acceptable as it stands, is the employer obliged to arrange a meeting to discuss the request?

No, there is no obligation on the employer to arrange a meeting to discuss an employee's statutory flexible working request if it is prepared to accept the request as it stands.

Employers cannot reject a request without first consulting with the employee, but if an employee submits a request that the employer is prepared to accept, the employer can notify the employee of its decision without holding a meeting. It must notify the employee within two months of the application.

The employer may choose to discuss the request with the employee in any event, to ensure that the proposed flexible working pattern is the most suitable arrangement for both the employer and employee.