Free Flexible Working Policy as Government backs legislation changes
The UK Government has confirmed that a Private Members’ Bill to change legislation on flexible working requests has their support. The right to request flexible working will be open to all employees from day one, not just those with 26 weeks’ service; they will be able to make two requests a year (currently it’s one); they will not need to explain the effects of the proposed change on the employer and give ideas on how to mitigate those; they can expect their request to be dealt with within two months rather than the current three; and their employer will have to consult with them (look for compromise and alternatives!) before requests are turned down.
So what does this mean for employers and employees?
Firstly it is important to remember that the legislation still provides a right to request, not an automatic right to be granted flexible working. The Government will leave the current list of permitted reasons for refusal in place. ACAS guidance already encourages employees to meet and discuss alternatives, so writing this into legislation puts more onus on the employer, but most will already do this.
The main change is the day one right to make requests, and potentially businesses will take the next logical step and advertise roles as flexible where possible. Doing this and allowing the discussion at the recruitment or offer stage should attract a wider and more diverse pool of applicants. However companies need to ensure that they do not then allow bias to creep into their processes so that people who are looking for flexibility are actually rejected and potentially discriminated against. Managers and hiring teams should be trained in how to deal with flexible working requests. Importantly, businesses should have a policy or procedure that sets out how requests will be dealt with. Beanstalk HR has created an updated template Policy For Making Flexible Working Requests, with guidance on how to customise it for your own business and prepare for the changes.
Click on the link if you would like a FREE COPY:
https://mailchi.mp/676dca0f4533/t2pu7s3ras
