Responding to flexible working requests

Key considerations when managing the new day one right to request flexible working and making decisions on applications.

Research from the CIPD has found that 71% of workers view a flexible working pattern as important to them when considering a new role, while 69% say the ability to work remotely is important. Given the requirement (not always popular) for employees to return to the workplace, at least two or three days a week, and the introduction of the day one right to request flexible working, employers are likely to see an increase in such requests being made.

This interactive workshop will focus on:

• The new statutory right to request flexible working from day one
• Risks of indirect discrimination and breach of the duty to make reasonable adjustments for disability by refusing requests
• Outcomes in recent case law where requests have been refused
• How embracing flexible working for all can help to reduce the gender pay gap and promote diversity & inclusion
• The risks of bias against those who work flexibly and ways to mitigate this