The right to request flexible working government press release published 5th December 2022
Millions of Britons to be able to request flexible working on day one of employment. Workers to have a greater say over when, where, and how they work under new government plans to make flexible working the default.
Flexible working doesn’t just mean a combination of working from home and in the office – it can mean employees making use of job-sharing, flexitime, and working compressed, annualised, or staggered hours.
The raft of new measures will give employees greater access to flexibility over where, when, and how they work, leading to happier, more productive staff. Flexible working has been found to help employees balance their work and home life, especially supporting those who have commitments or responsibilities such as caring for children or vulnerable people.
Alongside the clear benefits to employees, there is also a strong business case for flexible working. By removing some of the invisible restrictions to jobs, flexible working creates a more diverse working environment and workforce, which studies have shown leads to improved financial returns.
Today’s announcement comes alongside new laws coming into effect that will allow Britain’s lowest paid workers to work more flexibly and boost their income through extra work.
Minister for Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said:
- Giving staff more say over their working pattern makes for happier employees and more productive businesses. Put simply, it’s a no-brainer.
- Greater flexibility over where, when, and how people work is an integral part of our plan to make the UK the best place in the world to work.
Access the press release here. :Department for Business, Energy & Strategy and Kevin Hollinrake MP.