MILLIONS of workers could see a huge change to their flexible hours as new laws are set to be implemented in the coming days.
Several pieces of new UK legislation on employment regulations will come into effect this month with businesses ready to enforce them from April 6.
The new laws mean millions of workers will have more flexibility over when and where they work.
Employees will be entitled to request flexible working arrangements from the first day of their employment, under the new regulations.
Workers currently have to wait 26 weeks before requesting new arrangements.
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The new rules mean employers now have to explain their reason for denying workers their flexible hours.
Previously, employers could deny any request for flexible working without explanation.
Employers are also now obliged to respond to requests within two months, compared to three months previously.
Under the new rules, employees can make two statutory requests for flexible working in any 12 months, as opposed to one request before.
Flexible working has been found to help employees balance their work and home life.
It has been useful for people who have responsibilities at home such as caring for children or vulnerable people, according to the government.
It comes after 100 companies agreed to become "accredited" employers in a scheme to test a four-day week.
Only employees of these select companies will benefit from the scheme, but organisers of 4 Day Week Global hope it will fundamentally change the UK's approach to work.
What are my flexible working rights?
Companies are legally within their rights to tell you where and when they'd like you to work.
Similarly, employees have a legal right to ask for flexible working hours.
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However, bosses can stop employees working from home if they have "good business reasons" and employers can reject your request, law firm Doyle Clayton partner Dan Begbie-Clench previously told The Sun.
How can I ask my boss for more flexible work?
The new legislation allows millions of workers to request flexible working hours from the first day of a new job.
Hundreds of companies already let their staff work from home.
However, if your boss is not keen on letting you exercise your flexible working arrangements, here are a few tips on how to ask for the benefit.
There is helpful guidance you can use on the gov.uk website to help you request flexible working, Begbie-Clench previously told The Sun.
He said employees should "explain whether their request to work flexibly might have an impact on their team, performance and the business and how they would deal with it”.
Citizens Advice said workers should show some flexibility, perhaps offering to come into the office part-time when possible.
It added: "Start by having an open conversation with your employer about your wishes, and consider making a flexible working request, which is a legal right all employees have."
it comes after a mum-of-two was left in tears at work after senior management slammed her for not wearing make-up upon her return from maternity leave.
And millions of us got one hour less in bed this week after the clocks went forward, check out what this means for workers.
