Flexible Working Solicitors
Employment
- Implement flexible working arrangements that cater to the needs of the business while strictly following the legal regulations.
- Policies, agreements, and measures like remote and flexible working.
Flexible Working Solicitors for Employers and Employees
Whether you are an employer managing a growing volume of flexible working requests or an employee whose request has been refused, Gurve Legal provides clear, practical legal advice from our base in London. We act for both sides, which means we understand the pressures and obligations on each.
Since April 2024, all employees have had a day-one right to request flexible working, up to twice in any 12-month period. For businesses, this has significantly increased the importance of having a compliant, well-drafted policy and a fair process for handling requests. Getting it wrong can lead to employment tribunal claims, discrimination liability, and reputational damage.
Our employment solicitors advise SMEs, growing businesses, and individual employees on flexible working arrangements, statutory requests, appeals, and disputes. We help you navigate the law confidently and reach outcomes that work in practice.
Our Flexible Working Legal Services
Flexible Working Policy Drafting for Employers
A clear, legally compliant flexible working policy protects your business and sets expectations for your workforce. We draft bespoke policies tailored to your operational needs, ensuring they comply with the Employment Rights Act and the ACAS Code of Practice.
- Bespoke flexible working request procedures
- Guidance on handling competing requests from multiple employees
- Policies that reflect your business structure and sector
- Integration with wider employment contracts and HR policies
Handling Flexible Working Requests
Employers must deal with requests in a reasonable manner, consult employees before reaching a decision, and notify them of the outcome within two months. We advise businesses on each stage of the process to minimise the risk of tribunal claims.
- Advice on assessing and responding to statutory requests
- Guidance on legitimate grounds for refusal
- Support when multiple requests arise at the same time
- Documentation and record-keeping throughout the process
Flexible Working Refusals and Appeals
There are eight statutory grounds on which an employer can refuse a flexible working request, including detrimental impact on business performance, inability to reorganise work, or planned structural changes. If a request is refused, the employee has the right to appeal, and the process must be handled correctly to avoid liability.
- Advice to employers on legally sound grounds for refusal
- Assistance for employees challenging a refusal
- Drafting appeal letters and managing the appeals process
- Guidance on constructive dismissal risk where refusals are poorly handled
Discrimination Claims Linked to Flexible Working
A refusal of flexible working can give rise to discrimination claims under the Equality Act 2010, particularly where the request relates to childcare, disability, or religious observance. We advise both employers defending claims and employees considering action. Our team also handles wider employment discrimination matters for businesses across London.
- Advice on avoiding indirect sex, disability, and religion discrimination
- Assessing whether a refusal amounts to a discrimination claim
- Support through the ACAS early conciliation process
- Representation at the Employment Tribunal where required
Employment Tribunal Claims
Where an employer fails to handle a flexible working request in a reasonable manner, or rejects it on inadequate grounds, the employee can bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal. We represent both employers and employees in tribunal proceedings relating to flexible working disputes. Our wider employment dispute resolution service covers all stages of the tribunal process.
- Merits assessment and pre-claim advice
- ACAS early conciliation support
- Full Employment Tribunal representation
- Advice on compensation and remedies
Informal Flexible Working Arrangements
Not every flexible working arrangement needs to follow the statutory procedure. We advise on informal arrangements, trial periods, and contractual variations, ensuring that any changes are properly documented and enforceable. Links to our broader HR advisory service mean we can support your business beyond a single request.
- Drafting contractual variations and confirmation letters
- Advice on trial period structures and review points
- Guidance on reversing arrangements where operationally necessary
- Support for remote and hybrid working arrangements
Speak to a Flexible Working Solicitor
Why Choose Gurve Legal
We Act for Both Employers and Employees
Most employment solicitors position themselves firmly on one side. Gurve Legal acts for both employers and employees, which gives us a broader perspective on how flexible working disputes play out in practice. Employers benefit from advice that anticipates how employees and tribunals think. Employees benefit from solicitors who understand how businesses make decisions and where they are vulnerable.
Practical Advice for SMEs and Growing Businesses
Flexible working legislation was largely designed with large organisations in mind, but the legal obligations apply equally to small and medium-sized businesses. We help SMEs and owner-managed businesses build processes that are compliant without being burdensome, so that flexible working requests are handled professionally and disputes are avoided before they arise.
Clear Advice on a Complex Area of Law
The interaction between flexible working rights, discrimination law, and contractual obligations creates genuine complexity. We cut through that complexity with straightforward, plain-English advice that tells you where you stand and what to do next. You will not receive a lengthy opinion full of caveats; you will receive a clear view and practical next steps.
End-to-End Employment Law Support
Flexible working requests rarely exist in isolation. They can intersect with redundancy situations, maternity and paternity leave, and changes to employment contracts. Our team provides joined-up advice across the full range of employment law issues, so you have consistent support as your circumstances evolve.
Speak to Our Flexible Working Solicitors Today
Whether you are an employer looking to put a robust flexible working policy in place, or an employee whose request has been refused or mishandled, Gurve Legal can help. We provide clear, practical advice and act for both sides of flexible working disputes.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation with one of our employment solicitors.
Call us: +44 207 566 1188
Email: info@gurvelegal.com