A Bill is making its way through Parliament intended to make it easier for employees to negotiate flexible working arrangements. To find out what that could mean for you, book a free place on the Timewise  webinar on Tuesday 23 May.

The webinar has been organised by the Natural Stone Industry Training Group (NSITG) through its membership of the Construction Leadership Council People & Skills network.

The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, currently being scrutinised by the House of Lords, is likely to become law because it is supported by all the major political parties. Both Conservative and Labour pledged to expand flexible working rights in their 2019 election manifestos.

The Bill gives employees the right to ask for flexible arrangements as soon as they are engaged by a company (that right does not currently kick in until after 26 weeks).

The Bill also proposes to amend the Employment Rights Act 1996, which includes the right to ask for flexible arrangements, in the following ways:

• removing the requirement for employees to explain in their applications for flexible working what effect they think the arrangements will have on the employer
• allowing employees to make two flexible working requests each year instead of the one currently allowed
• requiring employers to consult with the employee before being allowed to refuse an application
• reducing the deadline for an employer decision on flexible working requests from three months to two months.

If the Bill becomes law it will apply to England, Scotland and Wales but not Northern Ireland, where employment law is devolved.

The webinar about the proposed changes will include contributions from flexible working experts, legal experts, employers who already openly discuss flexible working options when hiring, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Business & Trade, Kevin Hollinrake MP.

You can register to participate in the webinar here.