Issue - meetings
Flexible Working Policy
Meeting: 16/07/2024 - Cabinet (Item 15)
15 Flexible Working Policy 
PDF 116 KB
12 June 2024
Local Joint Consultative Committee
The Local Joint Consultative Committee noted the changes to the Flexible Working Policy made to ensure compliance with the Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023, which allowed employees to request changes to their working arrangements from day one of their employment.
RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the amendments to the Flexible Working Policy be approved.
Additional documents:
- Appendix 1 Flexible Working Policy, item 15
PDF 378 KB
- Appendix 2 Flexible Working Application Form, item 15
PDF 210 KB
- Appendix 3 Flexible Working Change Table, item 15
PDF 274 KB
- Flexible Working Policy EIA, item 15
PDF 128 KB
Minutes:
Members were informed that the Government had introduced changes to legislation on 6 April 2024 through the Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023 under a separate piece of Secondary Legislation, allowing all employees to make requests to their working arrangements as a Day One right rather than the previous 26-week period. Employers now have two months to respond to a request, rather than the previous three months. In addition, whilst employers have to explain the reason for denying a request, employees are no longer required to explain the impact on the business. Two requests per year, replaces one annual request.
RESOLVED that the amendments to the Flexible Working Policy be approved.
Reason
The Council must demonstrate preparation for and compliance with the requirements of the new legislation in addition to compliance with existing requirements. If this is not implemented correctly, it could leave the Council open to legal challenge.