A consultation into extending the right to flexible working has been launched today by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), personneltoday.com reports.

The draft code of practice proposes that all employees with over 26 weeks’ service should be allowed to ask for flexible working and that employers should ‘consider all requests in a reasonable manner’.

Currently, only those with family or caring responsibilities have the right to ask, though not all are granted the opportunity to work from home or on varied hours.

It’s an issue that will concern those in franchise services that employ other people; the legislation could have a significant impact on small businesses. Hence ACAS is particularly seeking the views of small businesses, where there may not be an in-house HR expert available to deal with queries.

Commenting on the consultation, ACAS chair, Ed Sweeney, told grapevine.com: “This draft code builds on our knowledge and expertise across all workplace issues.

“It will make it easier for employers to be fair in considering requests to work flexibly, which helps maintain good working relationships and minimise discrimination. We’re very keen to hear views on the draft code from anyone who has an interest in flexible working.”

The consultation will last for 12 weeks, ending on 20 May.