MPs Back Flexible Working Bid

Members of Parliament (MPs) in the United Kingdom have backed a new bid for flexible working. This move was seen as a positive step forward in providing employees with more control over their work-life balance.

Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi has been at the forefront, driving the updated flexible working bid to remove "invisible restrictions" holding back mums, carers and those with disabilities at work has cleared the Commons. 

The Mirror reports that "Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi said she was "delighted" that MPs across the House backed her flexible working bill - which she said will make it easier for employees to stay in work."

Qureshi has expressed that many have been forced out of work, not because they aren't able, but merely because they can't, or don't wish to, but because they cannot balance their current working schedule with their personal commitments. 

The research briefing outlining the bill says: "The Bill had its first reading on 15 June 2022 and passed second reading on 28 October 2022. The Bill completed its committee stage on 7 December 2022 without amendment. In both cases MPs from all sides of the House spoke in favour of the Bill and no opposition was raised, meaning the stages were passed without division. It is listed for remaining stages on 24 February 2023."

MPs from all parties recognised the importance of giving employees more control over their working hours. Many MPs spoke about their own experiences of flexible working and how it had helped them to balance their work and personal lives, as well as noting the greater demand for flexible working, especially since the pandemic. 

Many believe that allowing employees to work flexible hours or from home can have numerous benefits. They argue that flexible working can improve employee productivity, reduce stress and burnout, and increase employee satisfaction.

The MPs also highlighted the potential economic benefits of flexible working. By allowing employees to work from home, businesses can save on office space and reduce their carbon footprint by cutting down on travel. In addition, flexible working can help to retain talent and attract a more diverse range of applicants.

The government has also expressed support for the new bid for flexible working. The Minister for Employment, Nadine Dorries, said that the government is committed to promoting flexible working and will work with businesses to ensure that they are able to offer this option to their employees.

Currently employees have to be with their employer for 26 weeks before they can make a request for flexible working which includes a change to their working hours, times or location. The employer then has three months to consider and respond to the request, while most respond sooner. 

Within the application employees must detail how their flexible working request may impact their employer, as well as detail solutions to any impacts.  

After making a request for flexible working, whether it is accepted or denied, the employee cannot make another request for 12 months. 

Under the new bill employees will no longer be required to detail the impacts of their request on their employer, employees will be permitted to make two flexible working requests in 12 months, employer will be required to consult with the employee before declining any such applications for flexible working and the deadline for the employer response will be reduced to two months. If approved, the bill will apply to England, Scotland and Wales. 

The bill will next be reviewed by the House of Lords. It is hoped that the government and businesses will work together to implement more flexible working arrangements, giving employees greater control over their work-life balance and ultimately leading to a happier and more productive workforce.

Posted March 9, 2023 by Kimberley Moreno

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