14 minutes | Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Flexible working and working from home have become increasingly important issues in the workplace, but what are the actual rights of employees and what do employers need to do when a request is made?
In this episode of *Law for Life*, Chris is joined by Sarah Marshall from the employment team at Franklin Solicitors, alongside trainee solicitor Rebecca Hudson, to take a closer look at the current rules around flexible working and the changes that are proposed for autumn 2027.
Sarah and Rebecca explain how employees can currently make a flexible working request from their first day of employment, the types of arrangements that can be requested and the eight business reasons an employer can currently rely on when refusing a request. They also explain how flexible working can be different where an employee has a disability and may be entitled to reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.
The conversation then looks at the proposed changes, including a new reasonableness test for employers refusing requests, the requirement to meet with employees to discuss their proposals and possible alternatives, and the potential for employees to bring a claim to an employment tribunal where an employer has not properly followed its statutory duties.
There is also practical advice for both sides of the workplace relationship. Employees are encouraged to think carefully about what they are asking for, explain why the arrangement would help them do their job and remain open to alternative solutions. For employers, the focus is on having appropriate policies and processes in place, educating managers and considering how flexible working arrangements could operate across an entire team.
From performance management and fairness between colleagues to balancing individual circumstances with the needs of a business, this episode provides a useful overview of what flexible working means in practice and what employers and employees should be thinking about as the rules continue to evolve.
If you have questions about flexible working, employment rights or how the changing legislation could affect you or your business, Franklin Solicitors' employment team can provide professional legal advice.
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