NEWS & RESOURCES

Full changes to Flexible Working Confirmed!

For those of you who have been following this area of development closely, you will know that for a long time, we have only had confirmation that flexible working will become a day one right, despite when the legislation was passed, it would bring in several changes.

However, on returning from the Easter break, it has been confirmed that all the changes set out in the legislation will come into force all on the same day – the 6 April 2024.

New Statutory Rules for Flexible Working Applications

To clarify; if you receive a flexible working application on or after 6 April 2024, these are the new statutory rules that apply:

  1. All employees, regardless of length of service can submit a flexible working application
  2. Employees can make two requests per 12-month period
  3. A request must be dealt with within two months of receipt of a request (assuming no extension is requested)
  4. Employers must consult with employees before refusing a request.
  5. Employees are no longer required to set out in their application form the impact that their proposed new working arrangement would have on their role and how it would be dealt with
  6. Flexible working will become a day 1 right for all employees.

Acas Code of Practice Update

Don’t forget too, that we reported last month that the Acas Code of Practice had been revised and in particular, it clarified that:

  • The overall good practice principles have been reconsidered
  • It includes new guidance on consulting with employees, specifically that if a request cannot be accepted in full, the employer and employee should discuss this, including any potential modifications to the original request or alternative options
  • It makes it clear that there is no statutory right to be accompanied at a flexible working meeting however it does explain that allowing an employee to be accompanied by a fellow worker, a trade union representative, or an official employed by a trade union is good practice.
  • The scope of the recommendation that an appeal is handled by a different manager has broadened. Where it previously advised this for larger organisations, it now recommends this approach “wherever possible”.
  • The tone an positioning of the Code is that an employer’s starting position should be to look consider what may be possible and to accept requests wherever it may be feasible to do so.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

SHARE THIS:

Instagram

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.