Member Article

Government extends flexible working to all employees

From today every employee will gain the right to request flexible working, giving a boost to workers and to business, a right which has previously only been available for carers, or people who look after children.

Today’s extension of the right to request the chance to work flexibly means more than 20 million employees can now benefit, according to the government.

It is expected the new right will be of particular interest to older workers who want to work differently as they approach retirement and to young people entering the labour market who may want take up additional training or learning while they work.

As part of the right, employees can expect their request to be considered in a reasonable manner by employers – this will be much simpler than the previous burdensome process businesses had to undergo before making a decision.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “Modern businesses know that flexible working boosts productivity and staff morale, and helps them keep their top talent so that they can grow.

“It’s about time we brought working practices bang up to date with the needs, and choices, of our modern families.

“Today is a crucial milestone in how we can help people balance their family life with work and caring responsibilities. And from next year, Shared Parental Leave will allow mums and dads to be able to choose how they care for their new-born in those first precious months.”

Business Minister Jo Swinson said: “Extending the right to request flexible working will help to create a cultural shift towards more modern, 21st century workplaces where working flexibly is the norm.

“Firms that embrace flexible working are more likely to attract and retain the best talent and reap the benefits of a more motivated workforce.

“Employees will benefit from being able to balance work with other commitments in their lives. It also helps drive a cultural shift where flexible working becomes the norm.

“Businesses have reported benefits to their firms in allowing staff to adopt more flexible working practices.

“This includes more than half reporting an improvement in their relationship with their employees and staff motivation, 40% reporting a boost in productivity and 38% seeing a drop in staff absence.”

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Now, thanks to this long overdue change in the law, employees of all ages will be able to ask their boss to alter the way they work, regardless of whether they have dependents or caring responsibilities.

“If they have an employer who gets why flexible working makes sense, workers who want to take time out to train, volunteer in a local community project, or simply avoid travelling at rush hour will now be able to transform their lives.

“But those with old-fashioned bosses who expect all staff to stick to the same rigid hours day in day out and always be in the office won’t be so lucky. Employers will still find it all too easy to block any requests for greater flexibility.

“Unfortunately the right to request is only the right to ask nicely. There is nothing to stop employers saying no. Of course not everyone in every company or organisation is able to work flexibly – some requests will always need to be turned down. But without the right to challenge employers, many workers will continue to lose out.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .