So what are the legal matters that concern flexible working and teleworking?

The first point to be aware of is that any employee who has worked for you for 26 weeks or more has the right to request a flexible working arrangement. As an employer you should have a policy in place and a plan for how you will respond to such requests.

You must also remember that all your obligations under the law regarding employees still apply, whether they are in the office, remote working, or telecommuting.

You must ensure that your employees have a suitable working environment if they are working from home. Health and safety is a key issue. There are other aspects you need to be clear on, including tax and insurance.

The laws that have particular relevance for flexible working practices include:

• Health and Safety at Work Act
• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which replaces the Data Protection Act in May 2018
• The Employment Equality Regulations
• Employment Rights Act

Have a look at our Legal Matters page for answers to some of the frequently asked questions for employers.