NEWS & RESOURCES

What is the Flexible Working Bill and how could it affect the workplace?

What is the flexible working bill?

In June 2021, the new Flexible Working Bill was introduced to parliament which proposes that all workers have a legal right to flexible working from day one of employment, rather than needing to have 26 weeks’ continuous service with an employer, as is currently the case.   

The Bill, if passed, would require employers to include in job advertisements what flexibility is available as well as offer flexible working arrangements in employment contracts. 

What does flexible working look like?

Flexible working can take many forms and given the last 16 months we are perhaps seeing more variations to it than the traditional part time hours.  It is probably no surprise that it is likely to continue as we look to find a new way of normal on the back of the pandemic. 

With businesses changing the way in which they operate to adapt to changing customer needs and COVID-19, as well as improvements to UK infrastructure and improved technology, it means that employees and employers have many more options available to consider, including: 

  • Hybrid working
    Hybrid working can take several forms.  It could be that the role is fully remote with either the home or even another location within the UK being the base.  Or it could be where the main location for working is remote with occasional attendance in the office, or the primary place of work is the office, but remote working is allowed.
  • Part time, condensed or split hours 
    This is where either the number of hours are reduced or structured differently so they operate over fewer days or across the working day outside the traditional 9-5 core hours.
  • Term time working
    Working hours that cover term time only; thus, allowing more working parents to have a greater work life balance.
  • Self-rostering
    Allowing the employee to manage their own hours of work based around their personal needs, but also against a work roster that has been devised to ensure business needs are met too
  • Job share
    Recruiting two people to carry out the one role.
  • 4 day working week across the board
    There were calls in 2020 for the UK to consider introducing a four-day working week to create a society of shorter working time, moving away from a traditional 8-hour working day, 5 days a week.  Clearly this would be radical for the UK, but there is nothing to stop an organisation carefully considering whether this could benefit it, especially at a time when businesses need to re-build.

What are the benefits of flexible working?

For an employer, flexible working can bring many benefits.  Perhaps now, more than ever, flexible working can play a crucial role in helping businesses to rebuild as we learn to live with COVID-19.  We know that flexible working can lead to: 

  • Increased morale and employee engagement 
  • Aid employee retention, crucial at a time where businesses are going to want to hold on to their staff  
  • Improve productivity 
  • Improve your ability to recruit the best talent  
  • Allow your business to adapt and change to respond to changing needs post COVID-19 
  • Make your organisation more diverse and inclusive by enabling you to access talent pools you would not have previously been able to access.  This in turn can lead to the sharing of differing views and experiences amongst your workforce which in turn can lead to greater creativity and productivity.  

Is flexible working a legal right?

The existing Flexible Working Regulations provide a statutory right for employees with at least 26 weeks continuous service with an organisation to request flexible working.  So, to some extent, there is a legal right, but it is only a legal right to ask and not to have.  Employers can, based on business grounds decline a request.   

HR support

For more guidance articles relating to the pandemic visit the HR Solutions’ ‘Coronavirus Advice and Guidance for Employers’ section.

HR Solutions are here to provide you with support and advice on any employment-related issues. Find out more by calling us on 0844 324 5840 or contact us online.


Notes:  This article by Victoria Templeton, HR Knowledge Manager at, HR Solutions, was first published in The Gazette, www.thegazette.co.uk on 12th July 2021. 

SHARE THIS:

Instagram

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

RELATED RESOURCES

Explore our comprehensive library of related resources to gain valuable insights, expert tips, and helpful tools for optimising your HR practices.

Request a Call from an HR Advisor

Our expert HR Advisors are here to assist you. To schedule a complimentary 30-minute call, please complete the form below. One of our advisors will reach out within 24 hours to either conduct the consultation or arrange a suitable time.

SIGN-UP FOR UPDATES

Receive all the latest industry insights, expert tips and exciting updates from HR Solutions, straight to your inbox.

Strategic HR thinking whitepaper

Our latest HR whitepaper offers an in-depth analysis and strategic framework aimed at transforming Human Resources into a pivotal element of business success in the rapidly evolving corporate environment of 2024.

PARTNER REGISTRATION

Register your details below and we will contact you regarding how HR Solutions can support your organisation.

MAKE A GENERAL ENQUIRY

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

var iframe = document.getElementById('pageurl-general-popup-6'); iframe.src = iframe.src + "?Form_Completion_Page=" + window.location.pathname + "&" + window.location.search.substr(1);

REQUEST A PROPOSAL FROM US

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Please complete the form and one of our team will call you back to discuss your query/booking.

Request your free trial

Register your details below and we will contact you about your 30 day free trial of the HR Knowledge Base.

REGISTRATION FORM

Register your details below and we will contact you about access to the HR Knowledge Base.  As part of your approved industry membership organisation you can get access to the HR Knowledge Base, created by Business HR Solutions, which is the go-to resource for thousands of business owners and managers across the UK.

2023/2024 SME BUSINESS SURVEY

Our latest 2023/24 SME Business Survey sheds light on the intricate dynamics shaping the SME sector and unveils critical insights that can guide businesses toward sustainable success.

IF YOU WISH TO PURCHASE HR ADVICE LINE TIME, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.

HR Solutions are here to help. We offer a standard hourly rate package for ad hoc HR advice which means you can pay for what you need, whenever you need it, and then quickly get advice. Our highly experienced advisors are on hand to provide you with practical employment advice to help you manage your workforce.  You can purchase HR Advice Line time now, and the time purchased will be valid for 12 months.