From today every construction employee has the right to request flexible working.
Until now, the right has only been available for carers, or people who look after children. Today’s extension of the right to request the chance to work flexibly means more than 20 million employees can now benefit.
The government says it expects the new right will be of particular interest to older workers who want to work differently as they approach retirement and to young people entering the labour market who may want take up additional training or learning while they work. An increase in workload is already sparking fears of a skills shortage in construction industry.
Paul Boggle, policy manager at the National Federation of Builders, welcomed the move saying: “It is helpful in principle – it is now a question of letting people know about it.”
He added that flexible working could boost the image of the construction industry. “It could send a message to people outside the industry that construction is not purely a site-based occupation. Clearly, flexible working can only apply to office jobs, so it highlights the fact that there are many other non-site roles and professions in the industry that are open to a diverse and talented range of people.”
The government says that employees can expect their request to be considered in a reasonable manner by their employer.
Boggle commented: “It’s important to note that that this a ‘right to request’, not a ‘right to receive’ flexible working. Workers will need to consider carefully their own job situation, and how it might impact on them and their employer. It will need to be handled on a case-by-case basis.”
Announcing the move, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said: “Modern businesses know that flexible working boosts productivity and staff morale, and helps them keep their top talent so that they can grow. It’s about time we brought working practices bang up to date with the needs, and choices, of our modern families.
“Today is a crucial milestone in how we can help people balance their family life with work and caring responsibilities. And from next year, Shared Parental Leave will allow mums and dads to be able to choose how they care for their new-born in those first precious months.”
Business minister Jo Swinson said: “Extending the right to request flexible working will help to create a cultural shift towards more modern, 21st century workplaces where working flexibly is the norm.
“Firms that embrace flexible working are more likely to attract and retain the best talent and reap the benefits of a more motivated workforce. Employees will benefit from being able to balance work with other commitments in their lives. It also helps drive a cultural shift where flexible working becomes the norm.”
Businesses have reported benefits to their firms in allowing staff to adopt more flexible working practices. This includes more than half reporting an improvement in their relationship with their employees and staff motivation, 40% reporting a boost in productivity and 38% seeing a drop in staff absence.
Acas has published a short code of practice to help employers understand the extension to the right and how to process requests.
Acas chair Brendan Barber said: “Our experience from working with thousands of employers is that flexible working is both good for business and employees.
“The new code will help employers handle flexible working requests in a reasonable manner and fit their specific circumstances and procedures. We have also produced a good practice guide with practical examples to help employers and businesses consider some of the key issues that may pop up.”
