Millions can take advantage of new rules that will affect all workers
09.04.2024 - 12:51
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Millions of workers can request flexible working from day one of their jobs under new rules now in force.
The right for flexible working was previously only available if someone had worked for their employer for 26 weeks or more. Now, as part of a law change that came into effect on Saturday, April 6, workers can request flexible working from day one.
Under the new rules, employers must also now respond to requests within two months, compared to three months before. If an employer rejects a request for flexible working arrangements, they now also have to explain the reasons behind their decision. Previously, employers could deny any request for flexible working without explanation, the Mirror reports.
Coodes Solicitors said reasons behind rejections include the arrangement costing too much, a negative impact on performance, and the knock-on effects of hiring more workers. Employees can also make two statutory requests for flexible working in any 12-month period, as opposed to one request previously.
Flexible working can be used to describe a range of things however, in its simplest terms, it is used to describe an adjustment to the traditional nine to five working hours. It includes things such as working from home rather than the office, job-sharing, flexitime, and compressed, annualised, or staggered working hours.
Peter Cheese, the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), said the new right could benefit millions of workers. He said flexibility around time, scheduling and where someone worked could be "transformative" especially for those with health conditions, caring responsibilities or other life choices they wished to make.
He added: "With an ageing population and rising