How to request working from home as Andy Burnham plans huge changes for Brits

Andy Burnham has announced big plans to support people who work from home or have hybrid working.

Anyone who is classed an employee in law has a statutory right to request 'flexible working' in the UK.

This can include working from home, but can also include changes in hours as well as changing when you start and finish work, so someone may wish to work from eight to four or ten to six instead of from nine to five for example.

But it does also include requests for either hybrid working or working from home completely, and in the UK your employers have to consider such a request.

Although they can say no, they can only refuse such a request if there is a 'genuine business reason' according to Acas.

In order to put in a statutory request, you have to submit it to your employer in writing, checking first who is the best person to send it to, as well as any request limits if this is not the first time you've made such a request.

You can make up to two requests in a 12-month period, and can only have one request 'live' at a time, we'll touch on that later.

Employers have to consider a statutory request (Getty Stock)

When you send the request, Acas advises that you need to include certain things, such as the date of the request, the change that you are requesting, and when you want the change to start.

You should also include any previous requests you have made, as well as the dates that you made them.

Before sending the request over you should check any company policies, for example whether you need to use a specific form to send the request.

Once the request is submitted your employer will then have two months to make a decision about it, which may to accept, partially accept, or reject it.

This time frame allows your employer to make any necessary checks on the request, for example if it's safe for you to work from home.

You can also informally agree to make changes as well without making a statutory request, though this would not be covered by the same procedures, and you can also do this if you are not legally classed as an employee.

Working from home can have a lot of benefits (Getty Stock)

Once you make your request, it will stay 'live', meaning you can't make another one at the same time, until either your employer makes a decision, you withdraw it, you reach an agreement with your employer outside of it, or the two month limit passes.

It will also be live during an extension of that two month period, which you and your employer have to agree to in writing, or an appeal.

Employers can reject a request on grounds of an inability to reorganise work, customer demand, or impacting your performance.

The government has announced plans to make sure that employers must have considered a request 'properly' if they reject it.

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh told the Trade Union Congress: "I know that businesses have to make things work too, not every job can be done from home, and not every request can be agreed. But every request can and should be taken seriously."

She added: "If an employer wants to turn down a request, they will have to sit down with their employee, properly consider it, and explain why."