Last month the Flexible Working Act was passed in the UK, lets have a look into what this means for you.
This hugely significant legislation will help protect employees right for flexibility and to achieve a better work-life balance. In recent years flexible working has been up for discussion in most companies however there has been no law or act in place that entitles employees to this.
Flexible working is not only a nice benefit to have, it is a necessity for some people. Let’s take working parents for example. Working parents may not be able to take a job opportunity or work the hours they want too because they have to be around for the school drop off or school pick up, however if parents have the opportunity for flexible working they are able to get their work done around the daily tasks of the school runs! Think about if you need a doctors appointment and you are required to use your holiday for this, if flexi working is possible then unnecessarily using your annual leave will be a thing of the past and you’ll be able to use it for worthwhile occasions or well needed breaks!
Enabling employees to work flexibly can help organisations narrow the gender pay and pensions gap.
So what are the stand out changes?
All employees have the right to ask for flexible working arrangements from day one of a new job. Whereas, before this act an employee was required to have 26 weeks’ continuous service before they can make a formal flexible working request. Employees will also be able to make two flexible working requests every 12 months, a change from the current single request.
You don’t need to explain if it’s for childcare, a disability, personal needs or any other reason, everyone is entitled to this.
Employers have to respond to the request within 2 months and must consult with you if they decline the request, previously the time scale was 3 months. Employers must also consult with an employee before refusing a request.
Employees on maternity, adoption and shared parental leave get additional redundancy protections.
We proudly have everyone on home based contracts and provide everyone with the flexibility to work where they would like.
It is reported 7 in 10 employees do not know they have access to this flexible working right from April this year.
Here’s what our CEO and Managing Director, Martin Smith, had to say:
“I believe this new legislation creates a more inclusive and adaptable work environment and will only help organisations attract the best talent, enhance staff satisfaction and create a more resilient and agile team! If you have any questions or would like to learn more please drop me a message or give me a call!”
By offering flexible working options – above and beyond the need for legal compliance – can help boost your employer brand in a tight recruitment market.
