VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Flexible Working

Asked by Catherine WestLabourDepartment for Business, Innovation, Science and TradeTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 26071

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what steps he is taking to protect workers' rights to flexible working.

Answered by Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

Through the Employment Rights Act 2025, the government is strengthening the flexible working framework. We are introducing a new requirement that employers must only reject requests where it is reasonable to do so and the Act provides powers to set out a statutory process employers must follow before rejecting a request. These changes are intended to improve transparency and accountability by ensuring employees receive a clear explanation of decisions while supporting more meaningful discussion about whether flexibility can be accommodated. The government intends to bring these measures into effect in Autumn 2027.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim