MILLIONS of workers will be able to request flexible working from the first day of a new job, under new Government plans.
Ministers have spelt out a range of flexible working options, including job-sharing, flexitime, and working compressed, annualised, or staggered hours.
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Workers were promised that new measures will give them greater access to flexibility over where, when, and how they work.
But it’s important to remember that while you can request it, it doesn’t mean your employer has to agree.
You currently have to be employed at a company for six months or more before you can ask for flexible working.
Flexible working has been found to help employees balance their work and home life.
It helps to people who have responsibilities such as caring for children or vulnerable people, the Government said.
The announcement comes alongside new laws coming into effect that will allow the lowest paid to work for different employers.
Small business minister 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.”
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It is expected that these measures will come into force in 2024.
Workers on contracts with a guaranteed weekly income on or below the lower earnings limit of £123 a week will now be protected from exclusivity clauses being enforced against them.
These rules restricted them from working for multiple employers.
The Government said its reforms will ensure around 1.5 million low-paid employees can work multiple short-term contracts, benefitting people such as students or those with caring responsibilities.
If an employer can’t accommodate a request to work flexibly, they will be required to discuss alternative options before they can reject the request.
It comes after 100 companies signed up to become “accredited” employers in a nationwide scheme to test a four-day week.
Only those who work for these select companies will benefit, but organisers 4 Day Week Global hope it will fundamentally change the UK’s approach to work.
What are my flexible working rights?
Employers are legally within their rights to tell you where they’d like you to work.
But at the same time, employees have a legal right to ask for flexible working.
However, this does not mean that your boss has to agree to your request – companies can stop employees working from home if they have “good business reasons”, law firm Doyle Clayton partner Dan Begbie-Clench previously told The Sun.
How can I ask my boss for more flexible working?
Millions of workers will be able to request flexible working from the first day of a new job.
But many companies are already choosing to let staff work from home.
But if your employer is less keen on letting you work from home, here are a few tips on how to ask for the benefit.
Begbie-Clench previously told The Sun that there is helpful guidance you can use on the gov.uk website to help you request flexible working.
He said employees should “explain whether their request to work flexibly might have an impact on their team, performance and the business and how they would deal with it”.
Citizens Advice said workers should show some flexibility, perhaps offering to come into the office part-time when possible.
It added: “Start by having an open conversation with your employer about your wishes, and consider making a flexible working request, which is a legal right all employees have.
Meanwhile, we explain if you can get time off work to watch England in the World Cup.
Plus, The Sun spoke to an employment lawyer to find what you should do if you think your pay is wrong.
