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From 6 April 2007, the law has been extended
to allow flexible working for employees who care for, or expect to
care for, adults.
Those living at the same address as the person
being cared for are able to request flexible working from their
employer. It is hoped that this will make the demands of employment
and being a carer easier to juggle.
What is flexible working?
Flexible working encompasses a wide variety of
working patterns – compressed hours, flexi-time, home working,
job-sharing, and staggered hours.
It can have benefits for all. Employers have
the opportunity to keep skilled staff who they have invested
resources in, while employees can strike a better home/work life
balance.
How is a carer defined by this
law?
A carer is defined as an
employee who is, or expects to be, caring for an adult who is
married to, the partner or civil partner, or near relative of the
employee. Alternatively, it also applies if the person does
not fit any of these descriptions but lives at the same address as
the employee.
How do I request flexible
working?
There is a formal procedure to follow, which
details the rights and responsibilities of both employees and
employers.
Start the process by giving your employer a
thought-out application, in advance of when the desired work
pattern is required. The employer should then ensure that the
application is given serious consideration and discuss the options
with you. A request may be refused, but only if there is a
recognised business reason for doing so.
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