Cabinet minister Louise Haigh tells the TUC conference if an employer wants to reject a flexible working request ‘they will have to sit down with their employee’ and explain why
Andy Burnham’s government will strengthen the right to request flexible working, Labour’s Louise Haigh has announced.
Addressing the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the top Cabinet minister said the Employment Rights Act passed earlier this year will “transform lives”.
Changes in the landmark legislation means employers can make two requests per year on flexible working – including part-time hours or working from home. Employers will also be forced to provide reason for denying any request.
Ms Haigh, the First Secretary of State, told delegates at the TUC conference: “I can announce that we will strengthen the right to flexible working. If an employer wants to turn down a request, they will have to sit down with their employee, properly consider it. And explain why.”
It is understood the government will strengthen the legal interpretation of “fair consideration” of requests – to ensure it is not just a box-ticking exercise by employers.
Ms Haigh added in her speech: “Life isn’t always as neat as we’d like it to be, or as employers would like it to be. There’s kids to pick up. Parents to look after. Families who rely on us at short notice.
“And sometimes, a little bit of flexibility can make all the difference. I know that businesses have to make things work too. Not every job can be done from home. And not every request can be agreed. But every request can be taken seriously. “
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak praised the move, saying: “The government is right to recognise the importance of flexible working.
“Anyone with kids or caring responsibilities knows that being able to work flexibly isn’t just a perk – it’s a lifeline.
“That’s why this move is a welcome step forward. It makes it harder for employers to turn down requests while giving workers a stronger voice in the process.
“Improving access to flexible working benefits workers, businesses and the economy – whether it’s through increasing staff productivity or higher retention.”
During her speech, Ms Haigh also said the government will “heed the warnings” of artificial intelligence (AI) experts who have highlighted the risks the technology could pose.
Ms Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, acknowledged AI has the potential to transform public services, increase business growth and scientific progress.
She said: “AI has enormous potential to transform our public services, make our businesses stronger and deliver new scientific breakthroughs.”
But she stressed that ministers must “heed the warnings of those who are at the forefront of developing this technology” and “be ready to work with international partners” to ensure public safety and national security.