• The employee submits a flexible work request
• The employer must arrange a meeting to take place within 28 days (the employee has the right to be accompanied).
• Within 14 days of the meeting the employer must respond in writing with a decision.
• If the decision is to reject the request the employee has a right of appeal, which must be within 14 days of the date the decision was made.

      The employer can refuse the application for the following reasons:

o         Additional costs would be too much for the business

o         Employee's reduced ability to meet customer demands

o         Inability to reorganise work among existing staff

o         Negative impact on quality or performance

o         Not enough work available at the times when the employee wants to work

o         Planned structural changes

Businesses will need to review their flexible working policies to be in line with the new legislation amendments. You will not be obliged to inform eligible employees of their right to request flexible working but the government may launch an awareness campaign.