For employees, balancing work with childcare responsibilities can be tough, particularly during school holidays when the cost of childcare can skyrocket.
Flexible working arrangements can play a vital role in helping parents manage these pressures.
Employers need to understand employees’ legal rights to request flexible working hours to avoid potential disputes and ensure compliance with the law.
The financial strain of school holidays
Recent research by savings and retirement business Phoenix Group highlights the financial difficulties working parents face during school holidays.
The study found that childcare costs increase by nearly £1,700 per month during these periods compared to term time, consuming 51 per cent of the average UK household’s monthly income.
For younger parents aged 18-34, the financial burden is even higher, with costs rising by an average of £2,218 per month.
Understanding employees’ rights to flexible working
Starting in April 2024, all employees have the legal right to request flexible working from their first day of employment, known as making a statutory application.
Flexible working can include changes to the number of hours worked, start or finish times, working days, or even the location of work.
To initiate a statutory request, employees must submit a written request, either by letter or email.
The request should detail the desired changes, the preferred start date, and whether they have made any previous requests. Employers are required to consider these requests and respond within two months.
If employers agree to the request, they must update the employee’s contract and provide a written statement outlining the agreed changes and the start date.
If the request is denied, employers must provide specific business reasons and discuss these with the employee.
Valid reasons for refusal might include planned workforce changes, difficulty in recruiting replacement staff, potential impacts on performance, or the inability to meet customer demand.
Employees can submit up to two flexible working requests within 12 months.
By understanding and respecting employees’ rights to flexible working, employers can help them manage their childcare responsibilities while maintaining a productive and positive workplace.
