The Government has given its support to a Bill allowing tens of millions of workers across the country the legal right to request a predictable working pattern. 

Subject to parliamentary approval, all workers and employees will gain this new right once it comes into force, however, they must have worked for their employer for a set period before they make their application. This period will be set out in regulations and is expected to be 26 weeks. Given the proposals aim to support those with unpredictable employment arrangements, particularly ‘zero hours’ contracts, workers will not have had to have worked continuously during that period. They can also make up to two requests a year. 

These changes will allow workers and employees to request set working hours and/or days, with a view to providing more stability, reliability and certainty for those currently on unpredictable hours and an overall a better work-life balance.  

Employers will though have the option to refuse a request for a more predictable working pattern on specific grounds, such as the burden of additional costs to make changes, or there being insufficient work at times when the employee proposes to work.  

 

This article reflects the position at the date of publication (21 February 2023). If you are reading this at a later date you are advised to check that that position has not changed in the time since.   

 

We regularly publish articles on a range of tax and wider topical issues which affect employers. If you wish to subscribe to our monthly Employer Focus e-newsletter, please contact us.