Government outlines new flexible working plans

Millions of employees will be able to request flexible working from day one of their employment, under new government plans to make flexible working the default.

The new measures aim to give employees greater flexibility over where, when, and how they work in a bid to create happier, more productive workforces.

The announcement was made alongside new laws that will allow Britain 's lowest paid workers to work more flexibly and boost their income through extra work.

Minister for Small Business 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. ”

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, which restricted them from working for multiple employers.

The government says the reforms will ensure around 1.5 million low paid workers can make the most of the opportunities available to them such as working multiple short-term contracts.

This will particularly benefit those who need more flexibility over where and when they work, for example students or people with caring responsibilities.

The new laws on exclusivity clauses will remove red tape that prevents those who do - for example gig economy workers, younger people, or carers who cannot commit to a full-time role.

The laws will also help businesses plug crucial staffing gaps by giving employers access to recruit from a wider talent pool.

If an employer cannot accommodate a request to work flexibly, they will be required to discuss alternative options before they can reject the request.

For example, if it is not possible to change an employee 's working hours on all days, they could consider making the change for certain days instead.

The new legislation, backed in the government 's response to the Making flexible working the default consultation, will also remove the requirement for employees to set out the effects of their flexible working requests to employers, removing a large administrative burden for both sides.

Emily Stubbs (pictured), senior policy and projects manager at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “This announcement will further empower employees and hopefully support the move we 've seen since the pandemic towards a culture of more inclusive and flexible working practices.

“However, it 's worth noting that this is a right to request, not a right to have and flexible working will unfortunately not be possible in every industry and every role - a topic that will no doubt figure heavily in our upcoming Growth Through People campaign. ”

“As data from our latest Quarterly Report shows, businesses are facing considerable cost pressures right now and the associated administrative challenge when the legislation is implemented will prove to be a considerable challenge - in light of this, we would urge the Government to offer clarity as to when the legislation will be introduced and the support they will offer to businesses to embed these changes. ”

Expressions of interest for our 2023 Growth Through People campaign are now live - find out more.