Parents can request flexible working

From 6 April mothers and fathers of children aged under six will be legally allowed to request flexible working.

The survey of 28 of the UK's largest firms employing nearly three quarters of a million people by pressure group Parents at Work and law firm Linklaters found that many firms were already gearing up for the changes.

But the survey also found that firms were worried that granting leave to working parents could breed jealousy amongst fellow employees.

"As the legislation is aimed at one small group - of parents that fit the criteria - that could possibly lead to division in the workplace," Raymond Jeffers, head of employment at Linklaters said.

Rising requests

Up to 3.7 million parents will be able to put in requests for flexible working. And parents of disabled children under the age of 18 will be able to ask to shift hours.

Employers will not be forced to accept a request for flexible working but they will have to give good reason, in writing for any refusal.

If employers fail to give their reasons for refusal in writing they can be taken to an industrial tribunal.

The majority of employers, 57%, said that they would offer a formal right of appeal to employees whose leave requests are turned down.

Rubber stamp

Most employers, it seems, see the new flexible working rules as simply formalising long-standing internal employee procedures.

Nevertheless, the government publicity could lead to an increase in requests from working parents for time off.

However, three quarters of firms were confident that new flexible working arrangements will have little or no impact on their business.