Make flexible working ‘day one right’, urges chartered institute

HR institute the CIPD is campaigning to make the right to request flexible working a day one right, after finding that 46% of UK employees don’t have it in their current role.

Flexible working practices in the UK aren’t fair, the organisation stated, with those in lower paid occupations often being denied the same opportunities as those in higher paid, managerial professions.

According to the CIPD, those without access to flexible working are around twice as likely to be dissatisfied in their job when compared to those who do.

It adds that its research has clearly identified the benefits of flexible working arrangements for both companies and workers, from improved wellbeing and work-life balance to greater productivity.

The CIPD’s Flex From 1st campaign encourages employers to support flexible working for all, and calls for a change to UK law to make flexible working requests a day one right for all employees.

At present, UK law states that workers can only request to work flexibly after 26 weeks of employment, with a limit of one request every 12 months.

CIPD chief executive Peter Cheese commented: “We need employers to embrace flexible working arrangements beyond home working, to give opportunity and choice to all. Employees may not always be able to change where they work, but they should have more choice and a say in when and how they work.”

https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/campaigns/flex-from-first