Government Supports Changes to Flexible Work Regime
The Government has confirmed it will support the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill 2022-2023 (the Bill), as it passes through Parliament.
What Changes Will the Bill Introduce?
The Bill will make several changes to the current statutory flexible working regime. It will:
- introduce a requirement for employers to consult with the employee before rejecting a flexible working request
- allow an employee to make two statutory requests in any 12-month period (rather than the current one request)
- reduce the decision period within which an employer is required to administer the statutory request from three months to two months
- remove the requirement for the employee to explain when making their request what effect the change would have on the employer and how that effect might be managed
Interestingly, despite the Government's previous indication that it would support making the right to request flexible working becoming a Day one right, the Bill does not propose any changes to the current requirement for an employee to have 26 weeks' continuous service before being eligible to submit a request.
We will continue to report on the progress of the Bill through Parliament.
