A quick guide to new UK laws on workplace flexibility
Harvey John
Specialist Accountancy, Tax & Treasury, and Legal recruiters operating across the UK & EMEA.
Prioritising work-life balance has been a top concern for job seekers in recent years. Now, with new UK law changes taking effect on April 6th, the quest for workplace flexibility just got another serious boost.?
Here's what you need to know:
The Changes:
Flexible working consists of various arrangements tailored to individual needs, here are some examples:
Applying for Flexible Working:
Employees can initiate the process by writing a formal request to their employer, outlining the desired arrangements and start date. Employees are no longer required to justify or explain the impact of their requested flexible working arrangements, making the application process simpler.
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After the Application:
Employers now have to consider flexible working applications reasonably, with decisions expected to be made within a 2-month timeframe. ACAS provides a code of practice on how to handle flexible working requests. More information on this can be found here.?
If agreeing to an FWA, an employer should provide details of the agreed changes, a start date, and an updated contract within 28 days. If rejecting an application, your decision must be for valid business reasons outlined in the Employment Rights Act 1996 and Employers must consult with the employee before rejecting a request.
Appeals:
While there is no statutory right of appeal against a decision, the ACAS code recommends that employers offer a right to appeal, to be heard by someone who has not been involved in the original decision process wherever possible. It should be noted that the appeal must be heard within two months to decide on a request (unless an extension has been agreed). Rules vary in Northern Ireland.
Going forward
As work landscapes continue to evolve, flexibility is key to fostering a productive and supportive work environment. With a firm grasp of the latest UK law changes on flexible working requests, both employees and employers can unleash the power of a more adaptable and inclusive workplace.?
For more information, see GOV.UK . And if you're in the Accountancy, Tax & Treasury, or Legal fields and crave more flexibility in your career, our team is here to help. We work with diverse clients offering tailored solutions to suit your needs.?