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Want to stay on the right side of the law? We support businesses and public authorities and help them to promote good practice.
 
 

Flexible working

pregnancy and maternity

What you need to know

 

Flexible Working - pregnancy/maternity


A pregnant employee has said she might want to return to her job part-time. What must I do?

If she has been employed for 26 weeks she has a statutory right to request flexible working. The procedure you must follow when handling these requests is explained in the following publications:
   

What type of changes to her working patterns or location can an employee request?

She can ask to change:
 
  • The hours she works.
  • The time she works, for example a later start or earlier finish.
  • Location of work, for example to working at home.

If I agree to the flexible working request will the change be permanent?

 

Can men ask for flexible working and should I treat the request differently?

 

What is the procedure for an employee using their statutory right to make a request for flexible working?

 

How should I respond to a statutory request for flexible working?

 

I do not feel I can agree the statutory request to work flexibly. Can I refuse the request and for what reasons?

 

Can an employee take any legal action if I refuse a statutory request for flexible working?

 

What happens if I do not follow the statutory procedure for handling requests for flexible working?

 
 
 
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