What Is The New Flexible Working Bill?
The Flexible Working Bill was passed in July 2023 and is expected to become law in early 2024. The bill will provide millions of British workers with more flexibility over where and when they work . The bill will allow workers to request flexible working from day one of a new job, with employers required to consider any requests and provide a reason before rejection. The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill will also require employers to consider and discuss any requests made by their employee – who will have the right to two requests a year – within two months of a request, down from three. Flexible working can include working hours or pattern including part-time, term-time, flexi-time, compressed hours, or adjusting start and finish times. It can also include flexibility over where someone works, whether that be from home or a satellite office shortening their commute.
What Will Be The Requirements For Employers?
The new protections for workers will include new requirements for employers to consult with the employee before rejecting their flexible working request.
Under the new Flexible Working Bill, employers are required to consider and discuss any requests made by their employee – who will have the right to two requests a year – within two months of a request, down from three. Employers must also explain why flexible working requests are being denied, whereas previously they could be denied at the outset with no specific reasoning. The new bill is a people-first initiative that aims to make employees feel empowered within their organisation to ask for flexible working requests. The legislation is aimed as a step towards a more sustainable and equitable future of work.
Is This A Positive Move?
Whilst any new legislation has it’s downsides and pitfalls, the new bill will may well have a positive impact on small businesses as well. Companies that embrace flexible working can attract more talent, improve staff motivation, and reduce staff turnover – boosting their business’s productivity and competitiveness. By offering flexible working arrangements, small businesses can also accommodate the diverse needs of their workforce and foster a healthy work-life balance.
In conclusion, the Flexible Working Bill 2024 is aimed as a step towards a more sustainable and equitable future of work. It will provide millions of workers with more flexibility over where and when they work, which can have a positive impact on their well-being, work-life balance, and mental health. The bill is also beneficial for businesses, as it can attract more talent, improve staff motivation, and reduce staff turnover. Small businesses can also benefit from the new bill by accommodating the diverse needs of their workforce and fostering a healthy work-life balance.
More official guidance available on UK Gov Website Flexible working: Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)