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Changes to Flexible Working Requests - April 2024 for publication
The BMF wants to draw readers’ attention to new employment laws that come into force affecting workers’ rights from the start of the new financial year. From 6 April 2024, all employees have the legal right to request flexible working - including changes to: • the number of hours they work; • when they start or finish work; • the days they work; • where they work.
In practice, this could mean an employee asking for compressed hours - namely working full-time
hours but over fewer days - or working-from-home.
The main changes from current arrangements are: • employees will be able to request flexible working from their first day in a new job (previously eligible after 26 weeks); • employees will also be able to make two requests in any twelve- month period (previously one a year); • employers must make a decision within two months (previously three months); • employees will no longer have to explain what effect, if any, the
Kerry Wilson’s Departure: A Reflection on Contributions to BMF
Kerry Wilson’s departure from the BMF, prompted by personal reasons, marks the culmination of a significant chapter. During her tenure, she made remarkable contributions to pivotal initiatives such as the Apprenticeship Programme and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts.
Beyond her designated role, Kerry played a pivotal
part in fostering collaboration and engagement across the BMF’s membership base, leaving an indelible mark on the federation. CEO John Newcomb expressed heartfelt gratitude for Kerry’s invaluable contributions, acknowledging her pivotal role in enhancing BMF’s capabilities and advancing its mission. Her departure signifies the conclusion of a significant chapter in BMF’s history. Through her unwavering dedication to learning initiatives and equality efforts Kerry has profoundly enriched the BMF community, leaving behind a legacy of impact and inspiration.
June Upton: A Fond Farewell to a Pillar of the BMF
As the curtains close on a decade of dedicated service, June Upton bids adieu to the BMF, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, warmth, and
unwavering commitment. June’s journey at BMF, spanning more than ten years, has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by her integral role as Personal Assistant to John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF. In his heartfelt farewell message, John Newcomb aptly encapsulated June’s invaluable contributions to the BMF, acknowledging her as both a personal confidante and a driving force behind the BMF’s successful events. Sharon Britt will now take over June’s role, ensuring the seamless continuation of BMF’s event management excellence.
April 2024
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
flexible working request would have on your organisation and how it could be overcome. These UK-wide changes mean that employers must manage any request in a reasonable manner. Requests can only be rejected for one of these reasons: • extra costs that will damage the business; • the work cannot be reorganised among other staff; • people cannot be recruited to do the work; • flexible working will affect quality and performance; • the business will not be able to
meet customer demand; • there’s a lack of work to do during the proposed working times; • the business is planning changes to the workforce. Official guidance concerning Great Britain (England, Wales & Scotland) can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/flexible- working.
The rules differ for businesses in Northern Ireland and the relevant information is here:
https://www.nidirect.gov. uk/information-and-services/ working-hours/flexible-working.
Latest housing completion figures
The BMF has seen the latest Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Government figures on the net additional dwellings covering 2022-2023 in England. Total net housing supply increased by 234,400 - a similar amount when compared with the previous year. This number is broken down as: • 212,570 newly-built homes • 22,160 homes gained from changing use from non- residential to residential. • 4,500 from conversions between houses to flats. • 640 from other sources like caravans, house-boats, etc. offset by 5,470 demolitions to give 234,400 net additional dwellings.
9,492 of the net additions from change of use were
through permitted development rights - when full planning permission is not required. The Government is currently consulting on widening the breadth of permitted development rights in an attempt to increase this number and make it easier and more straightforward to adapt, extend and convert existing buildings into new homes. The BMF is looking to respond to this consultation. We welcome views from BMF members - please send contributions to Ben Scobie in the BMF London Office. The consultation can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/ government/consultations/ changes-to-various-permitted- development-rights- consultation/
BMF DIARY DATES
Please check the BMF website at
www.bmf.org.uk for all the latest news and events updates in this ever-changing environment.
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