The Government has published its first consultation paper on the extension of the right to request flexible working.

There is no immediate change to the law in this field, however their paper gives indications as to how the law may be changed in the future and gives employers an opportunity to put forward comments.

The following areas are to be consulted upon:-

• How awareness of flexible working can be raised and how the process can be made easier for business.
• Consultation regarding the proposed extension to the flexible working regulations to include parents with children up to those aged 16 (rather than 6).
• Consultation on how to reduce the paperwork involved in flexible working and whether the requirement for a formal request in writing should be abandoned.
• Consultation on increasing the awareness of free online tools available to assist employers.
• Lastly, the consultation also makes clear that an increase in the age cut off regarding the right to request flexible working will be introduced in April 2009.