ACS has responded to a consultation, Making Flexible Working the Default, highlighting the flexibility of employment in the convenience sector.
The government believes there is a compelling business case for flexible working, including helping attract top talent and creating a highly-motivated, productive workforce.
Its consultation proposes making the right to flexible working a day one right, rather than after 26 weeks’ service, and requiring retailers to suggest alternatives to requests for flexible working if the exact request cannot be accommodated. The proposals would cover England, Wales and Scotland.
Launching the consultation, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, said: “Empowering workers to have more say over where and when they work makes for more productive businesses and happier employees. It was once considered a ‘nice to have’, but by making requests a day one right, we’re making flexible working part of the DNA of businesses across the country.”
In its response to the consultation, the ACS recommended:
- Recognise the value of informal flexible working arrangements commonplace in the convenience sector.
- Retain a right to request flexible working.
- Publish statutory guidance for employers on responding to requests and considering alternative arrangements.
- Review the impact of National Minimum Wage regulations on flexible working, including Time Off in Lieu.
ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman, said: “The convenience sector offers genuinely local, secure and flexible employment to thousands of people across the UK and this is achieved through open communication through retailers and store colleagues.
“Flexible working for shop floor colleagues is commonplace in local shops and it is important that any changes to regulations to do not undermine this approach to flexibility but instead encourages proactive conversations which balance business and colleague needs and preferences.”
The consultation ran from 23 September to 1 December.
