Open consultation

Make Work Pay: improving access to flexible working

• From: Department for Business and Trade, The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP and Kate Dearden MP
• Published: 5 February 2026

Applies to England, Scotland and Wales

Summary

We are seeking views on a new process for employers to follow when handling flexible working requests, as well as insights on flexible working practices more broadly.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 30 April 2026

Consultation description

Through the Employment Rights Act we are introducing a new process for employers to follow if they think they might need to reject a flexible working request.

We are running this consultation to make sure this new process meets the needs of both employers and employees.

This consultation seeks views on:

• a proposed new light touch process for employers consulting with employees where a request cannot be immediately agreed
• what training, resources and support can help businesses navigate flexible working requests
• other ways to improve access to flexible working

Anyone can respond to this consultation, and we particularly welcome views from those with insight into this topic and those with experience making or handling flexible working requests.

Documents

Make Work Pay: consultation on improving access to flexible working (web version)

HTML

Make Work Pay: consultation on improving access to flexible working (PDF version)

PDF, 470 KB, 34 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Make Work Pay: consultation on improving access to flexible working (large print PDF version)

PDF, 1.74 MB, 49 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Flexible working – requirement to consult: options assessment

PDF, 404 KB, 22 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital@businessandtrade.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Email to:

flexibleworking@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Write to:

Flexible Working Policy Team, Employment Rights Directorate
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY

Published 5 February 2026