Flexible Working Bill receives Royal Assent

Hospitality staff are expected to have more flexibility over where and when they work after the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill received Royal Assent.

Flexible working relates to working hours such as part-time, term-time, and flexi-time, as well as the place of work, whether that be from home or a satellite office.

The Bill formed part of a 2019 Conservative Party manifesto commitment to encourage flexible working.

It will require employers to consider and discuss employees' requests for flexible working within two months of a request, as opposed to three months.

All employees, including those who have just joined a company, will be granted two requests per year.

Once in force, workers will also no longer be required to explain what effect the change applied would have on the employer.

Kevin Hollinrake, business and trade minister, said: "A happier workforce means increased productivity, and that's why we're backing measures to give people across the UK even more flexibility over where and when they work.

"Not only does flexible working help individuals fit work alongside other commitments – whether it's the school drop off, studying or caring for vulnerable friends and family – it's good business sense too, helping firms to attract more talent, increase retention and improve workforce diversity."

The government has launched a call for evidence on non-statutory flexible working to increase the understanding of the role of flexible working for both employers and employees.

Acas will be updating its statutory Code of Practice following a consultation to provide all parties with clearer guidance on the incoming legislation.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: "The hospitality sector already offers very flexible working. Whether that is parents or carers who need hours during the school day or weekends, or students who prefer to work at night, businesses can offer flexible shifts that suit people's needs and lives. This flexibility is what makes the sector attractive to such a variety of people.

"The Flexible Working Act includes protections for businesses that need to account for fluctuations in business trading, which is essential for our sector. Whether it's last-minute bookings or a sudden weekend of good weather, resource needs to change to ensure no team is left under-strength and it was essential that this Act recognised that."