Huge change to flexible hours rules for millions of workers comes into force – can you ask for a four-day week tomorrow?

MILLIONS of workers will be able to take advantage of the new flexible working laws which came into force this weekend.

Flexible working is now a legal right for all workers in the UK from the first day in a job.

UK Employees are now entitled to request flexible working arrangements from the first day of their employmentCredit: Getty

The new laws mean millions of workers will have more flexibility over when and where they work.

Flexible working has been found to help employees balance their work and home life.

It has been useful for people who have responsibilities at home such as caring for children or vulnerable people, according to the government.

Flexible working became particularly popular during the pandemic when many workers were required to work from home during lockdowns.

Most read in Money

Employees would be more productive at home or in the office if employers could improve their work devices

The new rule states that employees can now make two statutory requests for flexible working in any 12-month period, as opposed to one request before.

These are the areas of work you can request a flexible change to:

the number of hours they work
when they start or finish work
the days they work
where they work

The new rules come It comes after 100 companies agreed to become “accredited” employers in a scheme to test a four-day week.

Only employees of these select companies will benefit from the scheme, but organisers of 4 Day Week Global hope it will fundamentally change the UK’s approach to work.

Peter Cheese, the chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), said the new right could benefit millions of workers.

He added: “Flexibility around time, scheduling and place of work can be transformative in opening up opportunities for people to get into and stay in work, especially those who have health conditions, caring responsibilities, or other life choices they want to make.

“With an ageing population, and rising levels of economically inactive people due to ill health, flexible working is more important than ever and has been shown to support better well-being, making it good for individuals as well as organisations.”

How can I ask my boss for more flexible work?

Millions of workers are now able to request flexible working from the first day of a new job.

Hundreds of companies already let their staff work from home.

To make an official request you will need to fill out a statutory application which can be found on the government website.

However, if your boss is not keen on letting you exercise your flexible working arrangements, here are a few tips on how to ask for the benefit.

Although it is no longer a legal requirement it may be a good idea to explain to your employer how flexible working will affect their business.

If you can prove you can complete your required work on time and to the best of your ability it’s much less stressful for the employer.

Explain how flexible working will benefit your physical, mental and social health.

Give as much notice of your need for flexible working as possible, even if this is from the first day.

If your request requires you to work fewer hours this gives the employer enough time to hire another staff member or find alternative means of covering the work.

Employers must deal with requests in a “reasonable manner” Examples include: