Flexible Working

Conference welcomes the introduction of the right to ask for flexible working which aims to help employers and workers agree on work patterns that suit everyone. However since the introduction of this legislation the application of this in the UK Fire and Rescue Service appears to be patchy with brigades applying criteria, considered to be relevant, differently. Others seem to be unaware of the responsibility to deal with such requests timeously and fairly or of their obligation to supply not only a reason for refusal but an explanation of why the request was refused. Therefore, Conference instructs the Executive Council to carry out a survey of brigades to ascertain the types of flexible working that have been requested and the experiences of members making these requests with a view to preparing a document which can highlight good practice and aid FBU officials in assisting members making such requests.