Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill
Third Reading
10.06am
Motion
Moved by
That the Bill do now pass.
(Lab)
My Lords, I thank all those who have been involved in the
progress of this Bill and in getting us to this stage. Most of
all, I thank my honourable friend the Member for Bolton South
East, . At Second Reading, one
Member of this House described the Bill as being put forward by
the “Bolton mafia”. We not only plead guilty but are very
flattered by that description—we will wear it well. I also thank
Ministers in the department, who have been extremely helpful on
the progress of this Bill in both Houses, and the civil servants
behind them, who have prepared assiduously detailed briefings. We
are all very grateful for the help that we have had.
This is a very modest Bill—most Private Members’ Bills that
succeed must have a certain degree of modesty—but that does not
mean it is insignificant. It will make significant changes that
will be of real benefit to quite a few people. We spoke at Second
Reading of the changes that have taken place in work patterns.
This Bill allows all employees to have more rights in respect of
their need for flexible working. Flexible working has increased a
lot in recent years, but just yesterday the British Chambers of
Commerce pointed out in its press release that there are
significant disparities in who can get it and which sectors have
been responsive so far. The BCC and trade unions have welcomed
this Bill, and many pressure groups that have followed the
progress of this issue have made positive contributions.
The Bill will help make flexible working more available to more
people and allow people in a broader range of circumstances to be
able to contribute fully to our economy; it must benefit
everyone. It is a small but significant measure, and I am very
pleased and grateful for all the support the House has given to
its passage.
The Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade (The
) (Con)
My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Taylor, for bringing
the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill through the
House. The Government have been pleased to support the Bill
throughout all its stages, in line with our 2019 manifesto, which
committed to promote flexible working. I am pleased to continue
that support today at Third Reading and am very grateful for the
cross-party support that the Bill has received.
The successful passage of this Bill will introduce changes to the
existing right to request flexible working, which will be made
alongside the Government’s commitment to make the right to
request flexible working available from the first day of
employment. The changes represent a timely, sensible and
proportionate update to the right to request flexible working and
reflect what many employers already do. They will particularly
support those who need to balance their work and personal lives
and may as a result find it harder to participate in the labour
market. From older workers to new parents and those with
disabilities or long-term health conditions, this Bill will be an
important step in supporting their ability to remain and progress
in work.
I am very pleased to support the Employment Relations (Flexible
Working) Bill. It is a meaningful step in the right direction to
help employers and employees agree work arrangements that fit
with life. I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Taylor, for her
sponsorship of the Bill as it has moved through this House, and
the honourable Member and my honourable friend
for their sponsorship in
the other place and hard work in putting this Bill forward.
(Lab)
My Lords, I briefly add my thanks for the smooth passage of this
Bill. I pay tribute to the Bolton mafia and, in particular, my
noble friend Lady . I also thank the Minister
for his support going forward.
We were all struck by the moving testimonies at Second Reading; I
think it was the noble Lord, Lord Holmes, who said, “Flexible
working—why wouldn’t you?” That absolutely summed it up. A
cultural shift is happening. As we know, many companies are
already on board and getting great benefit from a more flexible
approach to their workforce.
I cannot let this moment pass without referencing our culture; I
note that at Second Reading there were 10 noble Baronesses on the
Front Bench.
I say an enormous thank you to everyone who has assisted with
this in both Houses and look forward to the next steps that will
follow once the Bill is enacted.
Bill passed.
