UK workers could be given the right to request flexible working from their first day of employment, under new government proposals.
The BBC has reported that the government is launching a consultation into the proposals over the coming days.
Under the proposals, workers could become able to make a statutory request for flexible working from their first day at a new employer.
This is a change to the current law, which requires workers to have at least 6 months of continuous employment service with an employer before they can make a formal request to work under flexible arrangements.
The change would not extend to making flexible working a right, but would allow for the request to be made from the start of new employment.
The proposals are also considering reducing the time given to employers to handle and make a decision on a flexible working request from the current deadline of 3 months, and making it mandatory for employers to explain the grounds for any refused requests.
The consultation document is expected to be published by the Department for Business tomorrow, 24 September, according to the BBC.
If accepted, the change in law would complement the current shift towards hybrid working arrangements in the post-pandemic workplace.
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Gill Laing is a qualified Legal Researcher & Analyst with niche specialisms in Law, Tax, Human Resources, Immigration & Employment Law.
Gill is a Multiple Business Owner and the Managing Director of Prof Services - a Marketing Agency for the Professional Services Sector.
