(1) An employer who receives a request for a flexible working arrangement submitted in accordance with section 13B(6) shall -

(a) consider that request, having regard to his or her needs and the employee's needs, 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 flexible working arrangement, and

(II) the date of commencement and the duration of expiration of the flexible 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.