Update to the Flexible Working Bill 2023 | New flexible working regulations to come into effect

Back in July, the Flexible Working Bill submitted by government completed its final stage and was granted Royal Assent. Now we have a date set for several ‘family-friendly’ regulations to come into effect – 6th April 2024. These include the right to:

• Request flexible working from day one of employment
• Carer’s leave
• Extended redundancy protection for employees who are on maternity leave, adoption leave or shared parental leave

Read more about the Flexible Working Bill in our previous article

New parental leave regulations

The new parental leave regulations will mean that the period of time that those on maternity leave are protected from redundancy will extend to include the entire pregnancy as well as 18 months from the first day of the estimated week of childbirth – although if the employee informs their employers of the exact date of birth prior to the end of their maternity leave, they can change this. Employees who are becoming adoptive parents will also be protected from redundancy for 18 months from the placement for adoption date. Shared parental leave will now receive a time period of 18 months from birth of protection. However, the parent must have taken at least 6 consecutive weeks of shared parental leave.

New carer’s leave regulations

Under the new carer’s leave regulations, employees who are unpaid carers for a relative or a friend will now receive up to 5 days’ unpaid leave from work each year. Employees must provide their employers with notice that is at least twice the length of the time that needs to be taken off from work, but they do not need to do this in writing. Those taking carer’s leave will also be protected from dismissal or detriment as a result of having taken the leave.  

For more information about how this could effect you, or if you have any questions, please contact our Employment Solicitor, Katie Bowen Nicholas.