Parents win right to demand flexible working

Parents are being encouraged back to the workplace with new legislation that will allow them to demand more flexible working hours from employers.

The 'Right to apply' is part of the Government's plan to tackle the UK's long hours culture.

From April, parents of children aged under six, or of disabled children aged under 18, will have the right to apply to work flexibly. Employers will have a statutory duty to consider their applications seriously. It will not, however, provide an automatic right to work flexibly.

At the same time, the Government will be increasing and extending maternity leave and pay and introducing new rights to paid adoption and paternity leave.

For more information on parental rights visit the Department of Trade and Industry.

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