What are recent changes to the Flexible Working legislation 2023?

Introduction

The Flexible Working legislation 2023 is a major reform of the UK’s flexible working laws. It introduces a number of new rights for employees, including the right to request flexible working from day one of employment. The legislation also places a new duty on employers to consider all flexible working requests in a “reasonable” manner.

The changes to the Flexible Working legislation are likely to have a significant impact on HR professionals. Employers will need to update their policies and procedures to ensure that they comply with the new law. They will also need to train their managers on how to deal with flexible working requests in a fair and reasonable manner.

What are the key changes to the Flexible Working legislation?

The key changes to the Flexible Working legislation are as follows:

• Employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
• Employers must consider all flexible working requests in a “reasonable” manner.
• Employers must respond to flexible working requests within 21 days.
• If an employer refuses a flexible working request, they must provide a business reason for doing so.
• Employees can appeal an employer’s decision to refuse a flexible working request.

What does the Flexible Working legislation mean for HR professionals?

The Flexible Working legislation means that HR professionals will need to:

• Update their policies and procedures to ensure that they comply with the new law.
• Train their managers on how to deal with flexible working requests in a fair and reasonable manner.
• Keep up to date with the latest guidance on the Flexible Working legislation.

How can HR professionals prepare for the changes to the Flexible Working legislation?

HR professionals can prepare for the changes to the Flexible Working legislation by taking the following steps:

• Review their current flexible working policies and procedures to ensure that they comply with the new law.
• Develop training for managers on how to deal with flexible working requests in a fair and reasonable manner.
• Subscribe to newsletters or updates from relevant organizations, such as the CIPD or Acas, to keep up to date with the latest guidance on the Flexible Working legislation.

Benefits of flexible working for employees and employers

Flexible working can offer a number of benefits for both employees and employers.

Benefits for employees

• Improved work-life balance
• Reduced stress levels
• Increased productivity
• Improved employee satisfaction

Benefits for employers

• Reduced absenteeism
• Increased employee retention
• Improved employee engagement
• Improved employer brand

How to implement flexible working in your organization

If you are considering implementing flexible working in your organization, there are a few things you need to do:

• Develop a flexible working policy that sets out the different types of flexible working that are available to employees.
• Communicate the policy to all employees and ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Train managers on how to deal with flexible working requests in a fair and reasonable manner.
• Provide support to employees who are transitioning to flexible working.

Conclusion

The Flexible Working legislation 2023 is a major reform of the UK’s flexible working laws. It introduces a number of new rights for employees, including the right to request flexible working from day one of employment. The legislation also places a new duty on employers to consider all flexible working requests in a “reasonable” manner.

The changes to the Flexible Working legislation are likely to have a significant impact on HR professionals. Employers will need to update their policies and procedures to ensure that they comply with the new law. They will also need to train their managers on how to deal with flexible working requests in a fair and reasonable manner.

HR training providers can help organizations prepare for the changes to the Flexible Working legislation by offering training, consultancy, and support services.