Whether you’re running a small business or working for one, the latest changes to the UK’s flexible working request rules could affect you.
Expected to come into force in autumn 2027, the new rules will make it harder for employers to say no without a proper conversation and good reason. For business owners, that means a clearer process to follow. For employees, stronger protections.
So, what’s changing, what does flexible working actually mean, and how can you make it work for your business? Here is everything you need to know.
What’s changing with flexible working requests in 2027
Employees already have the right to request flexible working from their first day on the job. They can make up to two requests a year, and employers normally have two months to respond.
Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, employers will now have to follow a clearer process before refusing a flexible working request. They’ll need to show that their decision is reasonable and that they’ve genuinely considered the employee’s needs.
As a small business owner, here are the three simple steps you’ll have to follow:
- Before the meeting, give employees time to prepare. Explain what the meeting is about and give them reasonable notice
- During the meeting, talk it through. Discuss whether the request could work and explore ways around any challenges. If it isn’t possible, consider suitable alternatives. Employees don’t have an automatic right to bring someone along, but allowing it is good practice
- After the meeting, put it in writing. Confirm the outcome to your employee in writing and explain the decision. There’s no automatic right to appeal, but offering one is recommended
Acas will update its Code of Practice on flexible working before the new rules take effect.
Important to note: The new law won’t guarantee employees the flexible working arrangements they ask for. But it will make it harder for employers to say no without a proper conversation and a reasonable explanation.
What do the new flexible working request rules mean for small businesses?
The good news for business owners is that the rules don’t take effect until autumn 2027, so you have time to get ready. And, don’t worry, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
If your business already has a clear flexible working policy, you’re probably most of the way there. If you don’t, now is the moment to start.
Here are five practical steps to get started:
- Review your flexible working policy. Make sure employees know how to submit a request, who will consider it and how decisions are made.
- Think about what flexibility could work. Could certain roles accommodate different start times, compressed hours or hybrid working? Identify the possibilities before requests arrive.
- Prepare your managers. Anyone handling requests should understand the importance of listening, discussing practical challenges and exploring alternatives.
- Keep clear records. Document discussions, agreed arrangements and the reasons behind decisions.
- Stay up to date. Acas will update its guidance before the new rules take effect, so make sure you check the final requirements.
And remember: flexible working doesn’t have to mean everyone working from home. There are plenty of ways to give employees more flexibility while keeping your business running smoothly.
If you’re considering a mix of homeworking and office days, our guide to creating a hybrid working policy is a great place to start.
What do the new flexible working rules mean for small businesses
The good news for business owners is that the rules don’t take effect until autumn 2027, so you have time to get ready. And, don’t worry, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
If your business already has a clear flexible working policy, you’re probably most of the way there. If you don’t, now is the moment to start.
Here are five practical steps to get started:
- Review your flexible working policy. Make sure employees know how to submit a request, who will consider it and how decisions are made.
- Think about what flexibility could work. Could certain roles accommodate different start times, compressed hours or hybrid working? Identify the possibilities before requests arrive.
- Prepare your managers. Anyone handling requests should understand the importance of listening, discussing practical challenges and exploring alternatives.
- Keep clear records. Document discussions, agreed arrangements and the reasons behind decisions.
- Stay up to date. Acas will update its guidance before the new rules take effect, so make sure you check the final requirements.
And remember: flexible working doesn’t have to mean everyone working from home all the time. There are plenty of ways to give employees more flexibility while keeping your business running smoothly.
If you’re considering a mix of homeworking and office days, our guide to creating a hybrid working policy is a great place to start.
What exactly is flexible working?
Flexible working is any arrangement that moves away from the traditional nine-to-five, five-days-a-week office routine.
And it can take many forms. It might mean working part-time, squeezing your usual hours into four days instead of five (compressed hours), or choosing when to start and finish your day (flexitime).
It could also mean working remotely, splitting your week between home and the office, or a coworking space (hybrid working), sharing a full-time role with someone else (job sharing), or adjusting your hours around school terms or busier times of the year.
The beauty of flexible working is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. A small creative agency might bring everyone together in the office twice a week, while a consultancy could work remotely and use a coworking space for client meetings.
It’s all about finding the right balance between what works for your employees and what works for your business.
Why flexible working is good for business, not just employees
It’s easy to look at the new legislation as another responsibility for business owners. But flexible working isn’t just another obligation. It’s an opportunity.
For employees, it means a better work-life balance, less commuting and more control over their day. For businesses, it’s a chance to attract and retain great people, boost motivation and productivity, and show your team that their well-being matters.
And there’s a financial bonus too. If your employees aren’t in the office five days a week, why pay for space you don’t need?
That’s where coworking comes in. At Freedom Works, you can mix and match hot desk memberships, meeting rooms and private offices to suit your team’s needs. Get together for collaborative days, welcome clients or run workshops, without being tied to a traditional office lease.
Working for yourself? Freelancers and independent consultants can enjoy the same flexibility, with a professional base whenever they need one. Discover more in our guide to coworking spaces for independent consultants.
Less commuting, happier teams and smarter office costs – what’s not to like? Explore more of the benefits of flexible working.
Make flexibility work for your business
The nine-to-five office routine is no longer the only way to work. And with the new flexible working rules on the horizon, now’s the time to rethink what works best for your team.
At Freedom Works, our hot desks, meeting rooms and private offices give you the freedom to build a working routine around your business, not the other way around.
Ready to make flexible working work for you? Book a tour, meet our community and discover how Freedom Works can give your team the space they need, when they need it.
