SINCE June 30, the right to request flexible working has been extended to include all employees, not just those with caring responsibilities for children or adults.

Employers also have a duty to consider these requests in a reasonable manner.

We expected to see an increase in the number of requests coming through, but it’s very difficult to know for certain, so soon after the legislation has taken effect.

What we do know is that the biggest impact is likely to be on smaller employers.

Those with small teams or with employees who have a specialist skillset are the most likely to struggle to handle a potential higher volume of requests. What should you do as an employer? Update your policy and provide guidance for your managers. If you are struggling to handle particular requests, or confused as to what you should do, consider bringing in some outside assistance from either your legal or HR advisers, rather than run the risk of accidentally getting it wrong. ACAS have also issued a helpful guide to handling flexible working requests.

Baker Tilly experts can help support you from ad hoc advice to an entire outsourced HR function. For more information email Liz Perry at liz.perry@bakertilly.co.uk or call 0118 955 4265.