PLANS to give workers more rights to request flexible working could impact on the way businesses operate, a leading employment lawyer has warned.

Joanne Stronach, head of employment law and HR at Cumbria-based Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said employers needed to be prepared for the new legislation which will give workers the right to request flexible working from the first day of their employment.

Currently, new employees have to wait 26 weeks before they can request a change to their working hours, times or location but the new rules will allow requests from day one.

READ NEXT: Contractor appointed for £200million Carlisle link road project

Joanne said: “The new rules aim to ensure more people can access flexible working and support employees who balance commitments such as caring for children or older people with working."

Joanne said businesses could potentially be faced with a scenario where they advertise and appoint a full-time, office-based role only to receive a request for flexible working on the first day of employment.

“This is a big change for employers which could potentially create difficult situations for businesses to manage,” she said.

“My advice is make sure you are aware of the legislation before it comes into force and consider ways in which you could potentially introduce flexible working within your business.