Flexibility at work is now more than just a perk, it is a necessity. Acknowledging this, the UK has introduced a law allowing all employees and job hunters to request flexible working hours from day one.
The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act received the royal nod on 20 July 2023. It got approved through the House of Lords without any hitches a week earlier.
According to a government press release, the term ‘flexible working’ covers a wide spectrum – from part-time or term-time roles to flexible hours or adjusted start and finish times. Even the work location comes under this umbrella, giving employees the option to work from home or a nearby office.
Until now, UK workers had to complete 26 weeks (or 6 months) of service before they could suggest changes to their work patterns. With the new law, they can ask for flexible work right from the first day.
Also, employers must consider two requests, not just one, from each employee annually. And the response must come within two months – that is a month sooner than before.
Another change is that employers cannot reject these requests without a strong reason. Workers, on their part, no longer need to explain how the change would affect the employer.
The lack of flexible working options has led nearly 2 million UK workers to switch jobs. Inflexible work systems have driven 12 percent of the workforce (or 4 million people) out of their industry.
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