From Day One
Under a new proposed government plan, staff will be able to request flexible working from the day they start work, and all employers will have to respond more quickly and explain any reasons for refusal.
At the present time the right to request flexible working only kicks in after six months in the job.
The government proposed the new procedures in a consultation document which was published on September 30th by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). It stems from a wider programme called the Good Work Plan, which begun in 2019.
The consultation will examine the full range of flexible working, including working fewer or different hours, or so-called compressed hours – working more hours on fewer days – working from home for some or all the time, and job shares.
It is proposed that employers will be obliged to respond to requests quicker than the current maximum of three months. If a request is refused, the employer will need to explain why and suggest an alternative work arrangement.
We will, as always, keep you up-to-date with developments.
The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.