Flexible Working Policy Consultation

The Flexible Working Policy has been moved to the new format including the creation of how to documents, one to assist employees in their application and one to assist managers in their considerations. The how to’s are already live but are included in the consultation. We’ve made some of the areas of the policy clearer, using simpler language.

https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/employees/how-to/how-to-apply-for-flexible-working

https://www.falkirk.gov.uk/employees/how-to/how-to-consider-flexible-working-requests

The Flexible Working Bill which came into force in April 2024 made changes to the timescales around the process and eligibility, the policy has been updated to reflect this. Employees can now make 2 flexible working requests in a 12 month period and must have an outcome and ability to appeal within 2 months of application. Employees no longer have to explain how the employer might deal with the effects of their request and they must be consulted with if their application is being rejected. We’ve also added in guidance on making a reasonable adjustment request for employees with disabilities.

We’ve removed Purchased Annual Leave as a section in the policy, as this is an employee benefit rather than a flexible working option and is covered by its own guidance documents.

We have removed the flexitime option from the policy and replaced this with flexibility over working hours. This is to reflect new ways of working and our Council Value of Trust allowing employees who previously had flexitime to have flexibility over their working hours.

We have removed the references to home working which is covered by the Hybrid working policy.

We’ve removed annualised hours as an option due to the limited uptake of this and the practicalities of implementation.

We’ve added in staggered hours which allows employees to ask for different start and finish times.

We’ve added in reference to annual leave accrued on career breaks and how this should be taken.

We would like you to confirm your understanding of these changes and welcome any feedback.

If you have any queries about the survey, please email hrhelpdesk@falkirk.co.uk