Full-time workers’ rights to request a four-day workweek could be significantly strengthened under new government plans aimed at increasing flexible working options.
Under these proposals, employees would still be required to work their full contracted hours to receive full pay, but they could request to compress these hours into a shorter working week.
Since April, workers have had the right to ask for flexible working arrangements from day one of their employment. However, employers are not obligated to agree to these requests. The government has emphasised that any changes will not be imposed on employees or businesses. Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has expressed concerns, stating that businesses are “petrified” about the potential impact of these plans.
A spokesperson from the Department for Business and Trade stated, “Any changes to employment legislation will be subject to consultation, in partnership with businesses.”
Currently, employers must handle flexible working requests in a “reasonable manner” but can decline them if there is a valid business reason for doing so.
Further details on these proposed changes are expected to be unveiled in the autumn when legislation designed to enhance workers’ rights is set to be introduced in Parliament.
The Labour Party has pledged to repeal certain anti-trade union laws, restrict the use of zero-hours contracts, and expand flexible working options. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has described these proposals as “the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation.”
