The new coalition government has announced its programme for government which includes extending the right to request flexible working to all employees.
This announcement has been welcomed by organisations such as Working Families. Sarah Jackson, Chief Executive of Working Families commented:
“Working Families is delighted that the Government has endorsed our call to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees. We know that flexible working works best when it becomes part of the way we work, not just a concession to particular groups. Many parents and carers benefit from the right to request - some use it to increase valuable family time, others introduce small changes to start and finish times which allow them manage their working hours more effectively. This is a great step forward towards balanced working lives for all.
“The business case for flexible working is well proven: reduced absenteeism and sickness costs, better retention rates and higher performance from loyal and satisfied employees. Many excellent employers already offer the right to all employees and reap the benefits.”
Camilla Palmer, employment partner at Leigh Day, is a specialist in the field of employment discrimination and has written, lectured and trained widely on the subject. She has extensive experience in helping clients to negotiate a flexible working week, and has also handled many cases where she has argued successfully that to refuse a request for flexible working is discriminatory. An unjustified refusal to allow flexible working can be indirect sex discrimination and can lead to an award of substantial compensation in some cases.
Hot tip: many employees do not realise that they have legal expenses insurance which would cover such a claim and they have the right to choose their own solicitor.
For more information please contact Camilla Palmer on 020 7650 1200.
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