Flexible working in UK – New rules are due later this year

The extensions to current legislation on flexible working are due later this year, giving more employees with service of six months or more rights to request flexible working. 

The new legislation will require employers to consider requests for greater flexibility in terms of hours, times and location, from a greater proportion of their workforce, which means HR departments will need to be prepared.

Historically, flexible working legislation was intended mainly for childcare, and later broadened out to allow for other types of care. HR departments have not found these rules too onerous but some fear challenges when the reasons for the requests become more diverse, such as for religious observance and lifestyle choice.

The new laws need not be such a cause for worry, however. With some planning it should be possible to turn a regulatory requirement into an opportunity to create positive cultural changes throughout your organisation.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at HR Magazine – Flexible working: what you need to know ahead of the rules.

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