Prior to 2014, only UK workers with children were offered the chance to work remotely. The government extended this with the implementation of the Flexible Working Regulations Act 2014, giving all employees who have worked at a firm for more than 26 weeks the right to ask for flexible hours.
Workers must write a formal letter to the company to request flexible working, which managers must respond to in a “reasonable manner”, making changes within 28 days. Employers can present a business case for denying flexible working, and must remember to be compliant with foreign laws if their employees work overseas.