Day-One Right to Request Flexible Working
Starting from April 6, 2024, employees will have the right to request flexible working from the very first day of their employment. This means they no longer need to wait for 26 weeks of continuous service before making a flexible working request.
Employees will be able to make two flexible working requests within a 12-month period, as opposed to the current single request limit
Reduced Response Time for Employers
Employers will have a two-month window to respond to flexible working requests, down from the previous three months. However, this time limit can be extended if both parties agree
Consultation and Justification
Employers must consult with employees before refusing a request.
The new legislation removes the need for employees to explain or justify the impact of the proposed changes to their working arrangements
Family-Friendly Rights
These flexible working changes coincide with other family-friendly rights, including:
Extended redundancy protection for employees on maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave.
The Carer’s Leave Act, which provides up to a week of unpaid leave annually for employees with caring responsibilities
Defining Flexible Working
Flexible working encompasses various arrangements, such as:
- Part-time working
- Home working
- Hybrid working
- Flexitime
- Job sharing
- Compressed hours
- Annualised hours
- Term-time working
- Team-based rotas
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These changes aim to enhance access to flexible working options, promote work-life balance, and adapt to evolving workplace dynamics. Employers and employees alike should familiarise themselves with these new provisions to navigate the changing landscape effectively.