Reminder about changes to flexible working
As you may recall, we informed you of the flexible working changes that were due to be introduced this April in a previous soundbite. This soundbite acts as a reminder of those changes, which are as follows:
- From 6 April 2024, the right to request flexible working will become a “day one” right. This means that employees no longer need to have at least 26 weeks’ service to make a flexible working request. They can make this request from their first day of employment.
- As part of their application, employees will also no longer have to explain what effect their requested change may have on the employer and how any such effect might be dealt with.
- Employees will be entitled to make two requests (instead of one) in any 12-month period and employers will have to respond to a request within two months (reduced from three months). Although, this can be extended by agreement.
- An updated ACAS statutory Code of Practice in relation to flexible working has been published to provide guidance in relation to these changes.
Employers should note that flexible working is still a right to request flexible working and not a “right to have” flexible working. This means that employers can turn down requests which have been reasonably considered but cannot be accommodated for one of the permitted reasons.
Employers should ensure that they update their flexible working policy to reflect the changes so that they are able to manage the new process in place. If you would like us to help update your policy, please get in touch with a member of the team.