The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has urged the UK government for flexible working hours in convenience stores.
The government’s consultation plan proposes making the right to flexible working a day one right, rather than after 26 weeks’ service.
It also requires 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.
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As a result, the ACS has recommended the government reviews the impact of national minimum wage regulations, which includes time off in lieu, retaining a right to request flexible working and recognising the value of informal working arrangements in the sector.
It is also calling for a statutory guidance to be published on responding to requests and considering alternative arrangements
“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.” ACS chief executive James Lowman said.
“Flexible working for shop floor colleagues is commonplace in local shops and it is important that any changes to regulations 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.
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