ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation, Making Flexible Working the Default, highlighting the flexibility of employment in the convenience sector.
The consultation proposes making the right to flexible working a day one right, rather than after 26 weeks’ service, and requiring retailers to suggest alternatives to requests for flexible working if the exact request cannot be accommodated.
Convenience stores provide local, secure and flexible employment to 392,000 people across the country, 64% of whom have childcare or family commitments that need to flex around their work.
ACS’ key recommendations are:
- Recognise the value of informal flexible working arrangements commonplace in the convenience sector
- Retain a right to request flexible working
- Publish statutory guidance for employers on responding to requests and considering alternative arrangements
- Review the impact of National Minimum Wage regulations on flexible working, including Time Off in Lieu
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The convenience sector offers genuinely local, secure and flexible employment to thousands of people across the UK and this is achieved through open communication through retailers and store colleagues.
“Flexible working for shop floor colleagues is commonplace in local shops and it is important that any changes to regulations to do not undermine this approach to flexibility but instead encourages proactive conversations which balance business and colleague needs and preferences.”
The full submission is available here.
