Flexible working: beyond covid-19

There are many things that you should consider when you’re looking for a new employer. There’s the usual: the job, the pay, perks, culture and so on. But now, more than ever, one extra factor is at the front of many job-seekers minds: flexible working.

Before the covid-19 pandemic started, we wrote back in Sept 2019, that flexible and remote working were becoming an increasingly significant demand from the workforce.

Now, obviously, everything has changed. Remote work, mandated by the pandemic, has upended the traditional view of office work. From set hours to the commute, to communication – we now see it all in a new light.

Your rights

Under UK law, permanent employees who have worked continuously for six months have the right to request flexible working. Employers have to respond within three months and any refusal should be “absolutely justified”. Flexible working can mean things like changes to hours or moving to a different location.