The right to request a flexible working pattern was extended in April 2009 to include parents with children aged up to and including 16.  

Certain employees have the right to request flexible working, now including those with children up to the age of 16. If an employer receives such a request, you have a legal duty to give it serious consideration.

However, regardless of the legal obligations, businesses are appreciating more and more how flexible working can benefit their performance, eg through improved staff motivation and productivity.

Business Link has a guide that details the law surrounding flexible working requests, looks at how flexible working can benefit your business and outlines how you might introduce a flexible working policy. 

What does this new ruling mean for you - get into the debate on the eCommunity.