Make Work Pay: improving access to flexible working
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
This consultation sought views on a proposed new process for employers to follow where a flexible working request cannot be immediately agreed. It also sought views on what training resources and support can help businesses navigate flexible working requests, as well as other ways to improve access to flexible working.
The consultation received over 1,000 responses from:
- individuals
- employers
- trade unions
- legal organisations
- academics
- other representative organisations
The changes as set out in the consultation aim to support greater access to flexible working while ensuring employers can continue to manage their businesses effectively. They also aim to encourage constructive dialogue between employers and employees, contributing to a more inclusive and productive labour market.
The government response summarises the evidence received through the consultation and sets out the government’s decisions and next steps for implementation of reforms to the flexible working framework.
Original consultation
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
Updates to this page
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'Consultation on improving access to flexible working: government response' and 'Responses to consultation on improving access to flexible working: supplementary tables' added to the consultation outcome.
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Updated 'Next steps' section of 'Make Work Pay: consultation on improving access to flexible working (web version)' to show the correct closing date and time of 11:59pm on 30 April 2026.
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'Make Work Pay: consultation on improving access to flexible working (easy read PDF version)' added.
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'Make Work Pay: consultation on improving access to flexible working (British Sign Language version)' added.
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First published.