Flexible Working for Carers of Adults

22 - 2 - 2007 

With effect from 6 April 2007 the Work and Families Act introduces the right to request flexible working for the carers of adults.

Until recently, this right was only available to those with children aged under 6, or those with a disabled child aged under 18.

A carer is defined as an employee who is, or expects to be caring for an adult who is:

  • the spouse, partner or civil partner of the employee;
  • a near relative (adult child (including an adopted child), parents, parent-in-law, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents and step-relatives) of the employee; or
  • someone who lives at the same address as the employee.

If employers receive a request from an employee to work flexibly, they have a duty to consider the request in accordance with a set procedure. Employees are protected from suffering a detriment or being dismissed if they exercise their rights.

For further information e-mail victoria.wright@thackraywilliams.com