An employee may apply in writing to request a change in hours, times or location of work to enable them to care for a child or adult relation in need of care.  The employer must hold a meeting to discuss the request within 28 days and notify the employee in writing of their decision within 14 days.

If they reject the request, the employer must allow an appeal.  The appeal must be lodged within 14 days, heard within 14 days of the request and decided within 14 days of the appeal hearing.

There are only limited grounds on which an employer can refuse the request namely

• Additional cost
• Detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand
• Inability to re-organise work among existing staff
• Impact on performance
• Insufficiency of work during the periods which the employee proposes to work
• Planned structural changes

Complaint can be made to the Employment Tribunal if an employer fails to consider the application or rejects the request on incorrect facts.  The Tribunal can order a review and compensation but cannot order the employer to implement the request.

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