Get ahead: Flexible and Family-Friendly policies happening this Spring
Published: 4 Apr 2024
This April, several changes are happening that will impact the lives of working parents and carers. Get ahead by getting to know what the changes are, so you can support parents and carers in your organisation. You can find more detailed information and guidance on the Acas and Help to Grow websites.
Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act
In redundancy situations, the duty to give priority access to reemployment opportunities to those on maternity leave has been extended to cover pregnant employees and those who have recently returned from maternity/adoption leave and shared parental leave
Employee Regulations (Flexible Working) Act
This new Act, coming into effect in April, will bring a few changes:
- Employees will be entitled to make a flexible working request from day one, rather than the previous 26 weeks service.
- Employees will be entitled to make two requests a year instead of one.
- Employers will be obliged to process requests within two months instead of three.
- Unless the employer decides to agree to the request in full, they must consult with the employee before they make a decision. It is hoped that this may lead to a constructive dialogue between employer and employee where a solution may be reached.
Flexible working, when done right, can bring benefits for business as well individuals. Findings from the Working Families Benchmark this year found that flexible working delivered increased productivity in 58% of organisations surveyed. Other quantifiable benefits include reductions in real estate and business travel costs, extended operating hours and lower staff turnover.
Carers Leave Act
For the first time, employees will have a statutory right to take five days of unpaid leave per year to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need.
Many progressive employers are already offering paid leave for carers, which is considered best practice, but for organisations not in a position to do so, unpaid leave for carers will at least allow carers to not have to use their annual leave or sick leave to fulfil their caring responsibilities.
Paternity Leave
From April fathers and partners will be able to take their statutory leave and pay as two non-consecutive blocks of one week, rather than only in one block, at any point in the first year after the birth or adoption of their child.
Neonatal Leave and Pay Act
When this legislation comes into effect in 2025, Neonatal Care Leave (NCL) will be a day one right and parents will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave and a minimum entitlement of one week, in addition to other leave entitlements such as maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
As an organisation that believes in the benefits of flexible and family-friendly working, Working Families are pleased to see these changes. Our hope is that organisations integrate these changes with appropriate training for managers, so that they can be embed them into a supportive culture, where employees are aware of the help available and feel able to discuss their needs with their line manager.
Through advocacy and sharing best practice, these changes have the potential to support the growth of an abundant supply of high-quality, part-time and flexible opportunities in the labour market that makes it easier for workers to access the working arrangements they need so that every parent and carer can thrive at work and at home.
Find out more on our advice pages for: