How Will Flexible Working For All Really Affect Parents?


by Alison Coldridge |
Published on

The government’s new flexible working rights means everyone can now ask to work flexible hours. Could this make it easier on parents who ask for flexible hours?

Up until now, only people who looked after children or others were able to ask for flexible working hours – possibly leaving other employees envious of their early finishing times and days off. 

But the government has now changed the law to allow every employee this right.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has said that every employee, who’s worked at their company for over six months, can expect their flexible working hours request to be considered by their employer ‘in a reasonable manner’.

‘Modern businesses know that flexible working boosts productivity and staff morale, and helps them keep their top talent so that they can grow,’ says deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.

‘It's about time we brought working practices bang up-to-date with the needs, and choices, of our modern families.’

If you’ve set up a new flexible working agreement with your employee and are working from home for part of the week, have a read of our tips on working from home successfully– without the procrastination and distractions.

Do you think that every employee should be allowed flexible hours? Let us know in the comments box below.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us
How we write our articles and reviews
Mother & Baby is dedicated to ensuring our information is always valuable and trustworthy, which is why we only use reputable resources such as the NHS, reviewed medical papers, or the advice of a credible doctor, GP, midwife, psychotherapist, gynaecologist or other medical professionals. Where possible, our articles are medically reviewed or contain expert advice. Our writers are all kept up to date on the latest safety advice for all the products we recommend and follow strict reporting guidelines to ensure our content comes from credible sources. Remember to always consult a medical professional if you have any worries. Our articles are not intended to replace professional advice from your GP or midwife.