Flexible Working Available From Day 1 of New Job

The government has proposed new legislation that will allow workers more flexible rights when working from their first day in employment rather than having to wait.

Current Rules

• Employees have a legal right to ask for flexible working hours after they have been employed for 26 weeks or more.
• Your employer must consider your request fairly and if they cannot accommodate your request, they should also consider alternative suggestions for employees before there is a full, negative response.
• Employees have the right to request flexible working hours just once a year.

Newly Proposed Rules

• Employees to have the legal right to request flexible working hours from day 1 of employment, there is no waiting period.
• Your employer must consider your request fairly, as before, with alternative suggestions if possible.
• Employees will have the right to request flexible working hours twice a year.
• Employers must publish in their vacancy details what flexible working facilities are available if any.

Employment Exclusivity Restrictions Lifted

• An exclusivity clause in an employment contract usually means you cannot work for another employer whilst in employment with your current employer..
• The government proposes that those earning less than £123 per week will be able to have any exclusivity arrangement cancelled. 
• For example, it is difficult for a hospitality worker say on the coast, to have their hours dropped from 40+ per week in summer to just 20 hours per weeks in winter.  There may simply mean people will be able to choose to take on other second job and boost your income.