heres one for all you good employers out there...

The DTI has laid down procedures which, if not followed correctly to the letter, could end in an employer losing a tribunal case - even if he/she had a good business case for refusing flexible working.

There is the matter of the other employees who may end up covering for absent colleagues

The procedures are laid out in a 56-page booklet (gripping bedtime reading - believe me).

They comprise having to take the request seriously, following through internal grievance procedures if the employee is not happy with a refusal, then maybe going through external mediation procedures and then maybe to an employment tribunal.

what am i talking about?

Before long "the right to request flexible working" could become "the right to flexible working".

is that enough of a clue? no? well here you are... Worksmart the new rules that are striking terror into the hearts of employers up and down the country who do not have robust and well defined policy and procedures in place..

OH WELL - lol