Flexible working for parents and carers of disabled children
The right to request flexible working for parents and carers of disabled children are the same as parents of non-disabled children. An employee has the right to make a request to work flexibly. The employer has two months to respond (although this can be extended by agreement). If the employer turns down the request, it must be for one of the permitted business reasons.
See here for more information on making a flexible working request.
It is worth mentioning in your request the reason why you are requesting flexible working if it relates to your disabled child. The Equality Act protects people from disability discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. This includes discrimination by association, such as treating a parent or carer less favourably – for instance refusing their flexible working request – because they have a disabled child. For more information, see our article on flexible working and discrimination.
We have more information about requesting flexible working – including advice on how to negotiate, how to request, and your rights if your request is refused.
This advice applies in England, Wales and Scotland. If you live in another part of the UK, the law may differ. Please call our helpline for more details. If you are in Northern Ireland you can visit the Labour Relations Agency or call their helpline Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300.
If you have further questions and would like to contact our advice team please use our advice contact form below or call us.
This probably isn’t what you came here for.
You’re looking for answers – maybe even a lifeline. And we’re proud to be able to offer free legal advice to parents and carers who need it.
But keeping this service free, expert, and up to date takes time, people, and funding.
- We’re a small charity, not a big law firm. That means we can focus on helping parents and carers, not chasing fees.
- It also means we’re free to speak up, using what we learn to campaign for fairer workplace rights for all families.
- And it means we can keep our advice free and accessible for those who need it most, not hidden behind a paywall or limited to those who can afford a solicitor.
Most people who visit our site won’t donate – and that’s okay. But if you’re in a position to chip in, we’d be hugely grateful. Your support helps us keep showing up for families when it matters most.
Whatever you can give – thank you.
You’re helping build a fairer future for working families.
We would love your feedback
Would your employer benefit from support from Working Families?
Would your employer benefit from some support & guidance from Working Families? If you would like to make your employer aware of how Working Families can help them, we have an introduction letter template available that you can give to the relevant person in your organisation.
The information on the law contained on this site is provided free of charge and does not, and is not intended to, amount to legal advice to any person on a specific case or matter. If you are not a solicitor, you are advised to obtain specific legal advice about your case or matter and not to rely solely on this information. Law and guidance is changing regularly in this area.
We cannot provide advice on employment rights in Northern Ireland as the law is different. You can visit the Labour Relations Agency or call their helpline Workplace Information Service on 03300 555 300.