UK employees are set for more flexible working rights.

New legislation will mean workers will no longer have to wait 26 weeks to seek flexible working schedules as set out under current laws. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said that under the new legislation, employees would be able to ask for flexible working from day one and employers will be legally required to discuss other options before rejecting a request.

Flexible working has continued in the UK after the workforce emerged from covid lockdowns during 2020 and 2021. Millions of people across the UK currently work flexibly, whether it be working from home, compressed hours, flexitime, part-time/term-time work or job-sharing.

Increased flexible working will also offer individuals, couples and families a wider scope of choice in terms of where they can live. Many may seek to live in alternative locations if they can either work from home or are only required to visit the office once or twice per week.

Paul Brundell, CEO at Kosy Living said:

“An increase in flexible working patterns particularly in homeworking will undoubtedly have an impact on where people choose to live. People will have more freedom to live the life they want, without the constraint of the daily commute. Those working in towns or rural areas that crave a new and exciting living environment may decide to move to the cities, and likewise those seeking a move away from busy city life may choose to live by the coast or in more rural locations."

He continued:

"It will open more living options for everyone, and co living and build-to-rent properties will be crucial in fulfilling demand, particularly as many also offer co working facilities.”

A 2020 study by Mashroom for example found that 60% of Londoners said they were reconsidering their living situation and looking for a better quality of life. Brighton and Hove was the most popular destination to move to, receiving 30% of the vote. In April 2022, Brighton also made The Sunday Times ‘Best Places To Live’ list.

Recent surveys including one by Royal London Group identified that most people view flexibility as an important or “non-negotiable” requirement when applying for a job. This along with a chronic shortage of workers since the covid pandemic, has forced companies to offer flexible working patterns if they want to recruit and retain staff.

The bill was introduced by Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi, who said:

“Offering flexibility to balance work and home life can be the key to ensuring progression in the labour market and to opening up employment and promotion opportunities for everyone regardless of their gender, age, disability or location.”