How flexible working regulations are changing this year

29th January 2024

The Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Amendments to the current flexible working legislation will come into force this year. Any flexible working applications made on or after 6 April 2024 must be dealt with in accordance with the Regulations.

What does this look like?

The right to make a flexible working request will be a day one right for employees so this means on their first day of employment they can make a request. Previously an employee could only make a formal flexible working request when they had been employed for 26 continuous weeks.

An employee will have the right to make two requests in any 12-month period but cannot if another application to the same employer is proceeding.

A request cannot be refused unless the employee consults with the employee first. The time for an employer to make their decision has been reduced to two months.

What should employers do?

It will be important for employers to review their current flexible working procedures and make necessary amendments to ensure the procedure is compliant with the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023.

Employers should also update their staff on these changes, especially managers who have the responsibility to deal with such requests.

Need more information?

For more information on these changes or assistance with updating your policies or contracts, you can contact our Employment Client Services team on employmentinfo@daslaw.co.uk or call on 0344 2640102.

Holiday Pay Guidance from the Government – The Bitesized Edition

The Government has issued guidance on calculating holiday pay to simplify holiday entitlement for irregular hours and part-year workers.

January 2024 Learn more

Employment disputes Labour’s Employment Rights Bill – A brief update

On 10 October 2024 Labour unveiled the Employment Rights Bill, which set out 28 employment law reforms.

October 2024
Employment disputes Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – A Time for Change

Here’s how things are changing for employers in respect of their duties regarding the prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace as of 26 October 2024.

September 2024
Employment disputes Workplace mediation – a better alternative?

At some point an employer will need to deal with workplace conflict. Workplace mediation can help to foster positive working relationships.

July 2024
Employment disputes 10 top TUPE tips for employers – Transferees

TUPE kicks in when there is a transfer of a business from one organisation to another or there is a service provision change from one provider to another.

June 2024
Employment disputes Faulty products face recalls – these are your rights when things go wrong

Gurkaran Singh Gill looks at what you can do if you have bought a faulty product.

May 2024
Employment disputes 10 top TUPE tips for employers – Transferors

Here are our top 10 TUPE tips for the Transferor – this is usually the seller of the business to another or a client seeking to outsource a service.

May 2024
Employment disputes What employers need to know about performance management and grievances

Thomas Eastment, Legal Adviser at DAS, looks at how employers can balance performance management while ensuring fair and legally compliant grievance resolution.

May 2024
Employment disputes Managing absence – an employer’s perspective

Employers must navigate the delicate balance between supporting staff welfare and ensuring operational efficiency.

April 2024
Employment disputes Employee, self-employed or worker? – The Bitesized Edition

Employment status can be complex if an organisation does not define the relationship with an individual clearly and reflective of the actual relationship in practice.

April 2024
Employment disputes Workplace stress: your responsibilities as an employer

Commenting on Stress Awareness Week, Sarah Garner, Solicitor at DAS Law, takes a look at what the law says employers needs to do about stress.

April 2024
Employment disputes International Stress Awareness Month: your workplace rights

To mark International Stress Awareness Month, Sarah Garner takes a look at what the law says your employer needs to do about workplace stress.

April 2024
Employment disputes Don’t get in trouble with the law on April Fool’s Day

When does the line between hilarious and harsh get crossed and can a prank turn into legal proceedings?

March 2024
Employment disputes Top 10 Settlement Agreement tips for employers

The purpose of a Settlement Agreement is to bring an employment relationship to an end by mutual agreement. Here are our top 10 tips for moving people on with settlement agreements.

March 2024