Flexible Working

Flexible working includes changes to hours, working location or patterns. That might mean part-time, compressed hours, hybrid working, or remote roles. In the UK, employees can make two statutory requests a year from day one of employment. Employers must respond within two months. We help you manage flexible working requests fairly, lawfully, and in a way that supports your business.

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Flexible Working

Policy and handbook drafting

We draft or update flexible working policies that follow current law and ACAS guidance. Clear policies reduce confusion, manage expectations, and protect against claims.

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Training for managers and HR

Training managers and HR teams get the tools they need to respond to employee requests fairly and lawfully. Our sessions focus on receiving, consulting on, and deciding requests, avoiding discrimination, meeting timeframes, and documenting outcomes.

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Strategic advice on requests and risks

We assess individual requests and help you consider the operational impact. We’ll guide you on equality risks, legal alternatives, and how to reach a proportionate, defendable decision.

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Compliant correspondence and documentation

We draft everything from acknowledgements to outcome and appeal letters. All documents are compliant, ensuring clear reasoning and are ready for audit or review.

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Contract variations and implementation

Support includes negotiating changes to terms, drafting side letters, clarifying trial periods, reviewing clauses, and rolling out updates across payroll and HR systems.

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Tribunal defence and representation

We defend employers when refusals or process errors are challenged. From ACAS Early Conciliation to full Tribunal hearings, we protect your position and keep your commercial objectives in focus.

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Questions we’re often asked

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Who can make a statutory flexible working request?

Any employee, from their first day of employment. The length of service doesn’t matter.

How many requests can be made and how quickly must we decide?

Up to two statutory requests in any 12-month period. You must decide within two months unless both sides agree to an extension.

Do employees need to explain the impact of their request?

No. Since 2024, employees are no longer required to explain the impact or how it could be mitigated.

On what grounds can we refuse a request?

There are eight statutory business reasons. We’ll help you apply the right one and explain your decision clearly.

Must we consult before refusing?

Yes. You must meet with the employee before you refuse a statutory request.

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Georgia was incredibly helpful throughout the process of reaching a settlement with a previous employer. Georgia took the time to understand my personal situation and provided clear, considerate, and professional guidance at every stage. Her support made a complex process much easier to navigate, and I felt reassured knowing I was in capable hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Chris is a great listener, clear communicator and, in my opinion, a genuinely good, kind human being. I have no hesitation in recommending Blacks in Leeds for any legal matters you may have; you'll be in good hands.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I have dealt with Chris Allen recently concerning some rather upsetting and extremely delicate matters. Chris and the team have proved to be reassuring, down to earth and absolute consummate professionals.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Blacks helped us think beyond the sessions by supporting us to consider how the legislative changes translate into day to day behaviours and what this means for our culture in anticipation for our policy to be launched. This has supported follow on training delivery internally surrounding misogyny, misogynoir and trans-misogyny.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

We had an excellent experience working with Blacks. From the moment we reached out to request training, they responded quickly and took the time to meet with us early on to understand our needs and the wider organisational context. They were patient and flexible as we worked through our planning.

Employment Training Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Ellie was absolutely amazing through the whole process. She made me feel at ease and was very efficient at replying to my emails and queries. I would also like to say a thank you to Jemma who was the first one I engaged with and made me feel comfortable and less anxious.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

I worked with Tom during a very stressful and time-sensitive settlement, and I’m genuinely so grateful for his support. From the start, he was calm, practical and incredibly thorough, which made a huge difference at a point when everything felt overwhelming.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

The service was 11 out of 10! Ellie kept me on the straight and narrow. She navigated the legal side and the emotional side incredibly well. She advised me brilliantly and I couldn’t be happier with that

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Euan Lawrence helped me with a HR issue with a former employee, and I was extremely impressed by his professionalism and the clarity of his advice in translating complex legal ease for the less legally minded individuals such as myself – I would fully recommend.

Employment Client

Trusted by organisations, families and professionals across the UK

Outstanding service from start to finish. The team’s work rate, speed of response, and legal knowledge were second to none. They consistently went above and beyond to get things done efficiently and with care. Special thanks to Richard P and Pete K for their exceptional support – true professionals!

Blacks Client

Experts in every area

Managing Partner

Ellie Broadhurst

Associate Solicitor

Jemma Fieldsend

Georgia Jeonney

Partner and Head of Employment

Graduate Solicitor Apprentice

Partner and Head of Employment

Anna Schiavetta

Senior Associate Solicitor

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