Labour minister pledges tougher rules for flexible work requests

At the Trades Union Congress gathering, Labour cabinet minister Louise Haigh outlined a forthcoming strengthening of flexible-working rights under the Employment Rights Act. The proposal would allow employees up to two requests each year for arrangements like reduced hours or home-based work, and would obligate employers to sit down with staff and explain any denial. Haigh emphasized that the government intends to sharpen the legal definition of "fair consideration" to stop superficial compliance.

Union chief Paul Nowak praised the initiative, noting its importance for parents and carers. In the same speech, Haigh highlighted the need to heed AI experts' warnings, stressing collaboration with international partners to safeguard public safety and national security.