On 20 July 2023, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill received Royal Assent.
The Bill grants eligible employees the right to request flexible working patterns, such as remote work, flexible hours, or job-sharing, allowing them to better manage personal responsibilities and professional commitments. By fostering a more adaptable and inclusive work environment, the UK aims to boost productivity, employee satisfaction, and retention rates, modernising employment practices for the benefit of both workers and business.
The government expects the legislation to come into force in approximately a year, to give employers time to prepare. So, whilst nothing has changed yet, it is always worth being prepared.
What will change?
Employees will be able to make two flexible working requests in any 12-month period
Employees are no longer required to explain the effect of their request on the organisation at their initial application
Flexible working requests will have to be dealt with within 2 months of receipt of a request
Employers will be required to consult with employees and will not be able to refuse a request until this process has been followed.
What do you need to do to prepare?
- Update Policies and Processes
- Train Line Managers on the changes
- Consider alternative ways of working flexibly ahead of next summer to prevent a potential bottleneck