Flexible working requests (available to ALL employees with at least 26 weeks service) constantly and increasingly challenges employers to have to look at the way they are running their business and using their resources effectively.
Two new reports on flexible work have just been released, from Acas “Flexible working for parents returning to work: Maintaining career development” and the TUC “ Better Jobs for Mums and Dads”:
Some interesting facts:
Half of young parents (51%) working in low-paid jobs like retail, social care and childcare have a boss who’s never spoken to them about their workplace policies to time off to look after their kids.
Flexible working practices are causing young mums and dads real difficulties. This includes shifts changing at short notice, rotas being given out with less than one weeks’ notice and uncertainty over shift finishing times. 19% of young parents reported that they had been given a rota with less than one weeks’ notice, within the last 12 months.
There is a real lack of awareness of key employment rights which could help young working parents e.g. 63% of young mums and dads are not aware of the statutory right to unpaid parental leave.
Comment: If you receive a flexible working request and the employee has 26 weeks service or more, then you need to comply with the law and at least consider the request. If you need any advice just get in touch.
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