UK Confirms New Flexible Working Rules Effective 2027
New rules taking effect in autumn 2027 will require UK employers to follow a statutory process and have a reasonable basis before refusing a flexible working request.
The UK government has confirmed the new statutory process employers must follow before refusing an employee's flexible working request under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The new rules, expected to take effect in autumn 2027, make it more difficult for employers to deny such requests, permitting refusal only on reasonable grounds. The confirmed procedure requires employers to meet with the employee to discuss the request and any potential alternatives. While less prescriptive than initially proposed—lacking a minimum notice period or a statutory right for the employee to be accompanied—the process mandates a formal discussion aimed at reaching an agreement. All UK employers will need to review and likely update their internal policies and manager training to ensure compliance. Counsel should monitor for the forthcoming updated Code of Practice from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), which will provide detailed guidance on the new procedure and what constitutes a reasonable refusal.