As reported by Gov.uk, a consultation is underway, aimed at improving access to flexible working – giving businesses, employees and other stakeholders the chance to shape future policy

The consultation invites responses from employers, HR professionals, trade unions, business groups, charities and members of the public. Submissions are open until 11:59pm on 30 April 2026. The measures under consideration will apply across Great Britain, with employment entitlements in Northern Ireland remaining devolved.

The government says the consultation seeks to explore ways to make flexible working more widely available, helping employees balance work with personal responsibilities while maintaining business productivity. The initiative also aims to support fair and inclusive employment practices, enabling organisations to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive labour market.

For employers and HR teams, this represents an opportunity to influence how flexible working rights evolve. Feedback could inform changes to statutory entitlements, guidance on implementing flexible arrangements, and the broader regulatory framework for businesses across sectors.

The consultation is open to a broad range of stakeholders, including businesses of all sizes, NGOs, and employees themselves. Interested parties can access the full consultation and submit responses online via the government website.