Acas has responded to the government's consultation on access to flexible working, setting out its recommendations aimed at helping employers and workers handle requests and reduce disputes.
Acas's submission recommends that proposed mandatory meetings to discuss flexible working are held with the aim of finding an agreement.
Key recommendations include:
- compulsory meetings should be held in all cases, including where an employer intends to accept a request, to support effective workplace communication
- meetings should be held with a view to reaching agreement
- reasonable adjustments should be considered before the meeting takes place
- managers should receive training on handling requests fairly, including identifying reasonable adjustments
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive, said:
"We welcome the opportunity to respond to the government's consultation on improving access to flexible working. Flexible working can bring benefits to both employers and workers. Our data shows that flexible working disputes are relatively low, less than 1%, and we want to ensure that number stays low.
"We believe everyone should approach discussions on flexible working with a view to reaching an agreement. We have also backed mandatory meetings because a good conversation gives employers and workers a genuine opportunity to explore options together – helping more people access flexible working, while keeping disputes low."
Flexible working arrangements can be used to change when, where or how someone works.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 will introduce a new process for employers to follow if they think they might need to reject a flexible working request.
The government launched a consultation in February on this new process to help make sure it meets the needs of employers and workers.
This consultation asked for views on:
- a proposed new light-touch process for employers consulting with employees where a request cannot be immediately agreed
- what training, resources and support can help businesses navigate flexible working requests
- other ways to improve access to flexible working
Read Acas's response to the consultation
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Background notes
A worker must notify Acas if they want to make a claim to an employment tribunal. Acas then offers a service called early conciliation. During early conciliation, an Acas conciliator tries to help the claimant reach a legal agreement with their employer. This can help avoid both sides going to an employment tribunal.
In 2024 to 2025, flexible working-related calls represented only around 2% of Acas helpline calls and 0.7% to 0.8% of early conciliation cases.
From 2020 to 2026, flexible working cases have gone up from 0.23% to 0.8% for early conciliation cases. Presently, flexible working is not among Acas's 10 most common early conciliation topics.We are Acas – independent and impartial experts helping everyone at work. We help employers and workers to:
- prevent problems with free advice on workplace rights
- manage issues by providing training and guidance
- resolve disputes with expert, impartial conciliation and mediation services
Healthy workplace relationships encourage productive organisations and make work better for everyone.