The Prime Minister will signal a major extension in the right to part-time working when he sets out his plans for the next parliamentary term. Six million people can currently request flexible working, including 3.6 million whose children are aged under six or disabled. But the Government will say that the age limit is to be doubled at least so that 2.6 million more parents will gain the statutory right. However, some employers are concerned about the burden on business of allowing parents of teenage children to work part-time. The EEF manufacturers' group said yesterday: "It seems to us wrong that employers are the only people expected to make any accommodation for the work-life balance issue." Under existing laws, parents are entitled to ask for flexible working hours and employers must give a good reason for refusal. The vast majority of requests are granted.
The Telegraph