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Flexible Working Legislation Presents Opportunities for Employers
During April 2011 the legislation surrounding flexible working is allegedly changing to allow parents with children under 18, one year older than present, the right to request flexitime.
Currently the right applies to parents of children aged under 17, as well as parents of disabled children aged under 18 and carers of certain adults.
When he announced the plans in September, employment relations minister Edward Davey explained that the Government wants to create a fairer and more family-friendly society, while making it simpler for both employers and staff to identify whether or not they are eligible to make a flexible working request.
Martin Thomas, employment law expert at Vizual Management Solutions, commented: "Employers will need to address their policies and procedures that relate to the right to request flexible working to bring them up to date.
"Other policies might also be affected such as their maternity policy that sets out the procedure for reintroduction to the workplace following maternity leave. Employers will need to communicate with all of their employees so that there is a true understanding across the workforce of the effect of the new legislation."
The TUC has welcomed the extension of flexible working to parents of children under 18 but says it will continue to press for a universal right to request.
Vizual are committed to continual development of their flexitime management system. This addresses new employment law legislation and encourages HR teams to administer employee attendance and absence records electronically.
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