Currently employees with 26 weeks service can ask to reduce hours, change working patterns or work from home to care for children under 17 (18 if disabled) or adult dependents.  

Under new flexible working rules coming into force later this year local government employers may face requests for flexible working for any reason - caring responsibilities, volunteering, religious, political activities, hobbies, travel, medical conditions, or those who just don't like getting up early for work!