UK to force bosses to justify flexible working refusals

The UK government has announced new rules requiring employers to hold a face-to-face meeting with any employee who requests flexible working and to provide a clear explanation if the request is refused. The policy, presented as a strengthening of existing worker rights, was unveiled by Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh at the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) conference in Brighton. Under current law, all employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements, which employers must consider in a "reasonable manner." The new measures would add a formal requirement for a meeting and a justification for any denial. Haigh stated that while not every job can be done from home and not every request can be agreed, "every request can be taken seriously." The announcement was welcomed by TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, who described flexible working as "not just a perk, it's a lifeline." He argued the changes would benefit workers, businesses, and the economy by increasing productivity and staff retention.