Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Bill receives Royal Assent

The Act, which is expected to come into force in around a year from now, will introduce a right for qualifying workers to request a more stable working pattern where:

• there is a lack of predictability in relation to the work that the worker does for the employer, as regards any part of the worker's work pattern
• the change relates to the worker's work pattern
• the worker's purpose in applying for the change is to get a more predictable work pattern

Workers will need to have accrued a minimum length of service before qualifying for the right to request a more predictable working pattern. The service requirement is expected to be 26 weeks, but this will be confirmed in regulations. It will be possible to make two requests per 12 month period and there will be a statutory framework for making and responding to a request. Workers will be able to bring claims against employers for procedural failings, as well as for unlawful detriment and automatic unfair dismissal in certain circumstances.

ACAS is expected to consult this autumn on a new code of practice on making and handling requests. We will continue to report on developments.

For more information or advice, please contact Jessica Scott-Dye in our Employment team on 0117 314 5652, or complete the form below.