Press Association: “Millions of employees will have the right to request flexible working from Monday under new measures the government believes will particularly benefit older people. The right has only been available for carers, or people who look after children, but is being extended to all employees. Ministers said flexible working helps people balance their job with responsibilities at home, keeping more people in long-term employment and enabling companies to retain staff. The government said it expected the new right would be of particular interest to older people who want to work differently as they approach retirement and to young people who may want take up additional training or learning while they work. Any request will have to be considered in a reasonable manner by employers, while the process is being made simpler. Nick Clegg said: “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. “Today is a crucial milestone in how we can help people balance their family life with work and caring responsibilities, and from next year shared parental leave will allow mums and dads to be able to choose how they care for their newborn in those first precious months.”