UK gov’t to improve flexible working arrangements
The government of the United Kingdom (UK) proposed a new act that will allow employees the right to request flexible working arrangements when they start a new job, as the country takes the next step in the future of employment post-pandemic.
According to the proposed act, workers can ask for hybrid working options on their first day of work and employers will be obligated to give a prompt response or solid reasons if they plan to deny the requests.
Lawmakers said that the act was aimed at “women, disabled people, parents and caretakers” who need to balance their professional and personal commitments.
Labour Party Deputy leader Angela Rayner said that their goal is to provide employees the “right to flexible working—not just the right to request it” as they strengthen the new normal of employment that is based on “flexibility, security, and strengthened rights at work.”
Current local labor laws in the UK require employees to be in their positions for six months before they could submit a request.
