Can my employer force me back to the office full-time?
I've been working from home for 2 years since COVID. My employer has just announced everyone must return to the office 5 days a week from next month. Can they do this? I have no childcare for after school.
Legally, if there's nothing in your contract protecting your right to work from home, they can ask you to return. However — you can submit a formal flexible working request immediately. Given your childcare responsibilities, they'd need a strong justification to refuse it.
Also worth looking at whether other colleagues are being treated differently, or if this seems to disproportionately affect women / parents. That could raise equality act concerns. Speak to your union rep if you have one.
The key question is whether WFH was informally agreed or written into your contract or offer letter. If it's in writing, changing it requires your agreement.