Flexible working: new reasonableness test and required consultation
What’s happening
Employers will be able to refuse a flexible working request only when it is reasonable to do so on one of the 8 statutory business grounds, after a required meeting with the employee and a written outcome. Acas plans guidance on the test by the end of 2026 and a revised Code of Practice in early summer 2027.
What to do
Retrain managers and redesign your request process during 2027.
How Workbliss can help
Workbliss sessions on energy and healthy boundaries, plus manager training, help teams adjust to new working patterns.
Plan support for your teamsSource
gov.uk. Checked October 19, 2026.