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Browse frequently asked questions and answers on key HR issues. Navigate by topic or key word search. View latest additions or suggest a question to the XpertHR editorial team.
In what circumstances can an employer reject a request for flexible working? Is there any right of appeal where an employer rejects an application for flexible working? On what grounds might an employee appeal a decision to refuse a statutory flexible working request? Where the employer decides to uphold an appeal against the refusal of a statutory request for flexible working, is it obliged to arrange a meeting to discuss the appeal? In what circumstances can an employer regard a request for flexible working as having been withdrawn? If an employee’s application for flexible working under the statutory procedure is treated as having been withdrawn can he or she make another request for flexible working? If an employee withdraws his or her statutory application for flexible working can he or she make another request for flexible working? What should an employer do if an employee raises a complaint about the way in which his or her statutory flexible working request has been handled? Can an employer withdraw from a flexible working agreement if the arrangements are no longer in its interests? What should an employer do if it suspects that an employee is abusing the statutory right to request flexible working procedure? Can an employee make as many requests for flexible working as he or she wishes?
Yes. An employee can make another formal request under the legislation after 12 months of the initial request. The employee is not prevented from making subsequent requests because he or she has already made a request. The employer will again have to follow the procedural requirements set out in the Flexible Working (Procedural Requirements) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002/3207).
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