What is flexible working?

The term 'flexible working' describes any working arrangement where the number of hours worked or the time or place that work is undertaken vary from standard practice. The flexible working arrangements currently supported by the University are detailed on the 'types of working' tab.

Flexible working can have benefits for both the employee and the University by:

• helping someone achieve a better balance between home and work responsibilities
• helping someone to stay at work when circumstances might have prevented you doing so
• structuring working patterns and staffing levels around peaks and troughs of demand

Who can ask for flexible working?

Employees have a legal right to request a flexible working pattern if they have 26 weeks service and:

1. Have responsibility for the upbringing of a child under the age of 17 or a child with a disability (i.e. in receipt of Disability Living Allowance) under the age of 18 and:
   • are the mother, father, adopter, guardian, special guardian or foster parent of the child
   • are married to or are the partner or civil partner of the above; and
   • are making the request in order to care for that child.
2. Are or expect to be, the carer of an adult and:
   • are the spouse, partner, civil partner or relative of the adult needing care
   • or live at the same address as the adult needing care; and
   • are making the request in order to care for that adult.

It is University policy to offer the same opportunity to request flexible working patterns to all staff with the requisite service. All requests will receive due consideration.