Overlay

Flexible working has evolved in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic, and the ability to adjust working hours and conditions is now considered a ‘must-have’ for many employees – and a way of attracting and retaining talent by employers.

Data explains why the issue is so important to businesses. Research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) shows that six percent of employees changed jobs in 2022 specifically due to a lack of flexible options, and 12 percent left their profession altogether due to a lack of flexibility within the sector. This represents almost two and four million UK workers respectively.

Every employee in the UK with 26 weeks’ service has the right to apply for flexible working and, by law, employers must treat all flexible-working requests in a ‘reasonable manner’.

There is a defined process businesses must follow when a flexible working application is received. Legal and financial penalties can apply if an employer is found to have refused flexible working unfairly or discriminated directly or indirectly against anyone requesting it.

Types of flexible working

  • Working from home, or hybrid working
  • Tailored working hours
  • Moving from full-time to part-time
  • Job sharing
  • School-term working
  • Compressed or annualised hours
  • Phased retirement

 

Susan Galashan, Senior Consultant on Employment Law and HR with NatWest Mentor, says: “An employee can request flexible working for many reasons, whether it’s to look after a sick relative, to manage childcare, or even just to have more free time. The reason for the request is less important than whether it can realistically be accommodated by the business.

“Although anyone has the right to request it, there’s no obligation on the employer to grant flexible working. However, there is a process to follow, and only under certain accepted circumstances can the request be refused.”

Reasons employers can reject a flexible-working request:

  • The extra costs will damage the business
  • The work cannot be re-organised amongst other staff
  • People cannot be recruited to do the work
  • Flexible working will affect quality and performance
  • The business will not be able to meet customer demand
  • There’s a lack of work to do during the proposed working times
  • The business is planning changes to the workforce

 

Susan says: “If an employer is struggling to approve a request, it’s a good idea to think about  a compromise with the employee, and it’s considered best practice to consult with the employee before making a decision.”

How the law on flexible work is changing

Employers should be aware of several changes to flexible-working practices which will soon be implemented as part of the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act of 2023.

1. The requirement to have 26 weeks’ continuous employment before making a flexible-working request will be removed on 6th April, 2024, as a provision of the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations, 2023. Anyone will be able to request flexible working from day one of employment.

2. Employees will no longer have to make a statement of how their transition to flexible working will affect the business. This is currently a requirement under the submission process.

3. The new legislation will require decisions to be made within two months of an application, down from three months, and employees will be able to make two, not one, applications for flexible working in any 12-month period.

4. Employers will be required to consult with an employee before rejecting their flexible working request – currently advised, but not a requirement.

Commenting on the changes on the gov.uk website, Business and Trade Minister, Kevin Hollinrake MP, says: “A happier workforce means increased productivity, and that’s why we’re backing measures to give people across the UK even more flexibility over where and when they work.

“Not only does flexible working help individuals fit work alongside other commitments – whether it’s the school drop-off, studying or caring for vulnerable friends and family – it’s good business sense too, helping firms to attract more talent, increase retention and improve workforce diversity.”

What if you can’t support flexible working?

Sometimes employers can’t grant a flexible working request. In these cases, it’s important that the reasons for refusing are valid, and don’t leave the business open to a discrimination claim.

Also, it’s important to note that while employees don’t have a statutory right to appeal, it’s advised that employers offer an appeal process as part of considering flexible working submissions in a ‘reasonable manner’.

An employee can go to an employment tribunal if they feel their employers:

  • Did not handle the request in a ‘reasonable manner’
  • Wrongly treated the employee’s application as withdrawn
  • Dismissed or treated an employee poorly because of their flexible working request, for example refused a promotion or pay rise
  • Rejected an application based on incorrect facts

Adds Susan: “There has been a universal shift in attitudes towards flexible working and the new legislation reflects this evolution. Employers need to be aware of the changes and make sure they have internal processes in place to accommodate them.”

Choose the content you want

Get business inspiration and practical tips straight to your inbox 

This material is published by NatWest Group plc (“NatWest Group”), for information purposes only and should not be regarded as providing any specific advice. Recipients should make their own independent evaluation of this information and no action should be taken, solely relying on it. This material should not be reproduced or disclosed without our consent. It is not intended for distribution in any jurisdiction in which this would be prohibited. Whilst this information is believed to be reliable, it has not been independently verified by NatWest Group and NatWest Group makes no representation or warranty (express or implied) of any kind, as regards the accuracy or completeness of this information, nor does it accept any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising in any way from any use made of or reliance placed on, this information. Unless otherwise stated, any views, forecasts, or estimates are solely those of NatWest Group, as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Copyright © NatWest Group. All rights reserved.

scroll to top