TUC fears weakening rights, Law Society calls for proper guidance

While supporting the government’s proposal to extend the right to request flexible working to all employees, the TUC warns that plans to replace the current statutory process for considering requests with a code of practice could weaken current flexible working rights. At present, the right to request is only available to employees with children under 17 (or under 18 if the child is disabled), and to certain carers. Removing the minimum legal standards for considering requests could encourage employers to reject requests without proper consideration, says the TUC. The government’s proposal is part of a package of reforms aimed at creating a "modern workplace".

In its response to the government’s consultation, the Law Society for England and Wales says that proper "support and statutory guidance for businesses is critical if the proposals for flexible working are to succeed." The consultation closed earlier this month and a response from the government is expected in November. 

The TUC press release may be viewed here. The Law Society press release may be viewed here.

Source: Mercer, 26 August 2011