The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 has now received Royal Assent.
The new Act has been designed to make it easier for staff to appeal for a more flexible approach to working patterns from day one of employment.
The Act makes the following changes to the right to request flexible working request rules contained in the Employment Rights Act 1996:
- Employees may make two flexible working requests in any 12-month period.
- Requests must be dealt with by employers within two months (previously three months).
- Employers are not able to refuse a request until they have ‘consulted’ with the employee.
- Employees will no longer have to explain how a flexible working request might impact the employer.
Employers need to be aware of these changes to ensure they comply with the rules around statutory flexible working requests.
Natalie Saunders, Employment expert at Levi commented: “Whilst the Act has received Royal Assent, the new law isn’t due to take effect until early 2024. This is good news for employers, as it gives them some time to revisit their policies and procedures and ensure managers and HR teams are briefed on the impact of the new legislative landscape around flexible working.”
If you’d like advice in relation to the new Act and how it may affect your business, email Natalie or call her on 0113 2973163.
