(1) An employer who receives a request for a remote working arrangement submitted in accordance with section 20(3) shall -

(a) consider that request, having regard to -

(i) his or her needs,

(ii) the employee's needs, and

(iii) the requirements of the code of practice,

and

(b) as soon as reasonably practicable but, subject to subsection (2), not later than 4 weeks after receipt of the request -

(i) approve the request, which approval shall include an agreement prepared and signed by the employer and employee setting out -

(I) the details of the remote working arrangement, and

(II) the date of the commencement and the expiration, if any, of the remote working arrangement,

(ii) provide a notice in writing informing the employee that the request has been refused and of the reasons for the refusal, or

(iii) where subsection (2) applies, provide a notice in writing to the employee that the employer has extended the 4 week period under this subsection for a further period specified in the notice.