Flexible working changes to come into force

News Article - Thursday, December 04, 2008

filed under: Business

Proposed changes to the right to flexible working are to come into force, the government has said.

Under the new rules, parents with children up to the age of 16 will be able to ask for flexible working arrangements from their employer.

Previously, the option was only available for parents with children up to the age of six.

Despite protests from business leaders, who were concerned that the poor state of the economy meant that it was not the right time to bring in such legislation, employment minister Pat McFadden confirmed that the changes will be enforced next year as scheduled.

"Our plan was to introduce this extended right in April 2009 and I can confirm that we will do so," he said.

"Flexible working can give employers and employees valuable flexibility - helping to keep businesses profitable and people at work."

The business secretary Peter Mandelson said in October that he would review the timetable for the introduction, but was met with opposition from other members of the Cabinet and Labour MPs.