Consultation on making Flexible Working the Default
- Employment Law
- 27th Oct 2021
n response to proposals set out in the government’s Good Work Plan published in 2019, this consultation considers making the option of flexible working the default position from the outset of employment. Currently, a flexible working request can only be made by an employee with 26 weeks’ continuous service.
By Stephen Attree
MLP Law
In response to proposals set out in the government’s Good Work Plan published in 2019, this consultation considers making the option of flexible working the default position from the outset of employment. Currently, a flexible working request can only be made by an employee with 26 weeks’ continuous service.
The government has described flexible working as particularly valuable for those who need to balance their personal lives with their working lives, including those with caring responsibilities. It also cites the fact that such flexibility can bring benefits to employers – attracting more applicants and increasing productivity and motivation levels among staff.
The existing right to request a flexible working arrangement encompasses a request to change one or all of the following:
· work location
· working hours
· working pattern
Some have, however, stated that the current proposals do not go far enough, suggesting that such flexibility should become an intrinsic part of the recruitment process.
The consultation closes at 11.45pm on 1 December 2021.
If you would like to advice from the Employment team at MLP Law in respect of any of the issues raised here or more generally, please do not hesitate to get in touch on 0161 926 9969 or employment@mlplaw.co.uk, or follow us on Twitter @HRHeroUK.
About the expert
Stephen Attree
Managing Partner
Stephen is the Owner of MLP Law and leads our Commercial, IP and Dispute Resolution teams which provide advice on all aspects of the law relating to mergers, acquisitions, financing, re-structuring, complex commercial contracts, standard trading terms, share options, shareholder and partnership agreements, commercial dispute resolution, joint venture and partnering arrangements, IT and Technology law, Intellectual Property, EU and competition law, Brexit and GDPR.
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