Flexible working | Employers must explain why they reject WFH requests under new rules

Employers will be required to meet workers and explain their reasoning before rejecting requests to work from home or adopt other flexible arrangements under plans to strengthen flexible working rights.

The reforms will not give employees an automatic right to work remotely. Businesses will still be able to refuse requests where they have legitimate operational reasons, but they will be expected to follow a more structured process and demonstrate that each application has been properly considered.

Speaking at the Trades Union Congress conference in Brighton, first secretary of state Louise Haigh said employers would have to consult workers directly before reaching a decision.

“Life isn’t always as neat as we’d like it to be or as employers would like it to be. There’s kids to pick up, parents to look after, families who rely on us at short notice,” she said.