Millions to get right to request flexible working hours

The flexible working hours policy that the Government wants to extend is "not a right" and employers will be able to turn down inconvenient requests, the employment minister has told Good Morning Britain.

Lib Dem MP Jo Swinson maintained that the scheme was already "working well" for 10 million employees and said that extending it further would "help our economy".

Allowing workers to request flexible hours is a "crucial milestone" in helping people balance work with family life, Nick Clegg has said.

The Lib Dem leader said the Government's plans would mean new parents could "choose how they care for their new-born in those first precious months."

He also claimed firms could benefit from a happier, more productive workforce.

"Modern businesses know that flexible working boosts productivity and staff morale, and helps them keep their top talent so that they can grow. It's about time we brought working practices bang up to date with the needs, and choices, of our modern families.

Millions of people will get the right to request flexible working hours under plans the Government hopes will particularly help older workers.

Previously the right was only available to carers or those looking after children, but it is now being extended to all employees.

Under the reforms employers will be obliged to deal with the requests in a "reasonable manner".

Industrial conciliation service Acas has also published a code of practice to help employers understand the new rights and how to process requests for flexible hours.

Read: Govt launches scheme to support older people in work