As long as you are an employee, and you have been working continuously for your employer for at least 26 weeks, you have the right to make a request to work flexibly, and for your employer to consider that request.

In the past, the right to make a request to work flexibly was limited to employees with caring responsibilities for children or vulnerable adults, but since 2014, any employee with 26 weeks’ service can make a request.

In your case, you have particular needs because you have a young family. Remember that you have rights under the Equality Act 2010. When considering your request, your employer must not discriminate against you, for example on the basis of sex, pregnancy or maternity. You have rights under the Equality Act 2010. If you think your employer is not taking this into account when dealing with your request, get advice from your union rep if you have one.

Your employer may offer better rights on flexible working, beyond the statutory minimum regime. You should check your contract of employment and other documents, such as your staff handbook, to find out your entitlement with your current employer.

Improving benefits and entitlements on flexible working has been a priority for unions, so if you work for an organisation that recognises unions you are very likely to have access to more generous flexible working rights.