Tesco to offer right to request flexible working for any colleague
Tesco has become the first major UK supermarket to offer staff flexible working rights, regardless of how long they have worked for the business.
The retailer is giving its 300,000 colleagues the right to request a flexible working pattern from their first day in the job, rather than having to wait six months under current employment law.
The move comes almost a year ahead of an expected change in the law from the government, which would introduce the right to request flexible working from day one.
While a large proportion of Tesco staff members already work part-time, the retailer has introduced a new requirement that all full-time advertised positions will be available as flexible or full-time and across all roles.
James Goodman, Tesco UK people director, said: “We think giving people the right to start a conversation about flexible working from their first day, or even before they start work for Tesco, is the right thing to do to give colleagues the opportunity for a healthy work-life balance.
“We aim to create a positive culture at Tesco where managers will do as much as they can to facilitate these requests for flexibility.”
The news follows Tesco’s recent announcement that staff members and their immediate family will have access to unlimited appointments with a virtual GP, seven days a week to give them added flexibility in managing their health.
Working in retail HR? Then join us at our Retail HR Summit on 21 September in London’s Mayfair. Find out more and register for your free place here
