Louise Haigh Announces Stricter Rules for Flexible Working Requests

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh announced new rights for British workers that will require employers to hold face-to-face meetings with employees when refusing requests for flexible working. Speaking at the Trade Union Congress conference in Brighton, Haigh stated that businesses must properly consider such requests and provide a detailed explanation for any denial.

The government intends to implement these changes through additional legislation under the Employment Rights Act. Haigh noted that while not every job can be done from home, the move aims to put power back into the hands of working people, particularly those managing family and caring responsibilities.

Paul Nowak, leader of the trade union movement, described the policy as a welcome step forward and a lifeline for workers. However, the plan faced criticism from Shadow Chancellor Andrew Griffith and Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice, who characterized the measures as red tape and a shirkers' charter that could harm business growth.

The announcement follows research from the Chartered Management Institute, which found that nearly two in five managers view flexible working as a primary reason for staying with an employer, ranking it above pay and job security. Additionally, Anna Whitehouse of the Flex Appeal Campaign urged employers to increase the acceptance of flexible working requests from men to better support shared family commitments.