Predictable Working Pattern Requests
The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023
The government is introducing a new law which will come into force in Autumn 2024, which will allow eligible workers a statutory right to request a more predictable working pattern. The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 19th September 2023 and will come into force next year.
If the eligible workers hours lack certainty, then they can put in formal application to make their working pattern more predictable.
ACAS has launched their consultation on the new draft statutory Code of Practice for handling the requests for a predictable working pattern.
What is a worker?
An employee is someone with an employment contract to work a specific job with often structured days and hours. A worker is different from an employee as they have a less structured, more casual relationship with their workplace.
Who is eligible under the new Act?
The Act will assist not only workers, but zero hour contracted employees. These are classed as A-Typical workers.
Why the change?
Following on from the Taylor Review of Modern Workplaces, in 2017, there has been mounting pressure to provide greater rights to individuals who lack “predictability” in their hours. The Act seeks to address the “one sided flexibility” issue by providing eligible workers with a statutory right to request a predictable working pattern.
By ensuring that these workers have a say on their working patterns and hours it aims to have a domino effect and lead to an increase in:
- Staff retention
- Happiness in the workforce
- Productivity
- Economic growth
This Act’s objectives and potential impact is consistent with ACAS’s purpose – to make working life better for everyone in Britain.
