Family friendly rights

Balancing work with family life has become an increasingly prominent focus in employment law over the last decade especially, with many new rules being introduced in support of working parents (mothers, fathers and adopters) and carers. For employers, this often means the need to make adjustments to existing working structures and practices and to provide greater working flexibility where this is feasible.

For example, maternity leave and adoption leave rules enable new mothers and adopters to take 52 weeks’ leave to care for the child, and shared parental leave rights, now entitle fathers or other partners to also split some of this entitlement.

You’ll also find helpful materials below on flexible working since most employees now have a legal right to request to work flexibly. Employees often request to work flexibly so that they can better combine work with family life. You can lawfully refuse the request, if you have valid reasons to do so, but you must consider the request following the correct procedure.

We recommend using our guides as your starting point and to set helpful context for the way in which the templates and other documents can be used. If you’re ever unsure about how to use any of our materials, just get in touch on the contact details below.

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The content on this website has been prepared by Markel Law LLP and it’s specified partners. It’s intended as guidance only and not to be regarded as a substitute for consultation with one of our solicitors or experts, since every case will ultimately turn on its own particular facts and circumstances. We recommend that you use our materials as your starting point and be aware that you sometimes have to follow a set procedure before taking any action, especially in an employment context. If you are in any doubt, we’d suggest that you get in touch with us and we’ll talk you through your options on how to get the right legal advice.