New NHS flexible working rights to improve work-life balance and retain staff  

An agreement on ​​new flexible working rights aimed at giving NHS staff a better work-life balance is announced today (Tuesday) by health unions and NHS employers. The deal will make it easier for workers to request flexible working arrangements including a right to do so from ​the first day ​staff are employed in the NHS. It is expected to help the NHS recruit and retain health workers. The agreement comes at a time when many health employers and ​their staff are beginning to consider new ways of working. ​The government has ​already promised a consultation on work flexibility for all UK workplaces. Poor work-life balance is often given as a key reason for employees wanting to leave the health service. The extra demands of the pandemic have left staff exhausted with many re-evaluating their priorities and considering leaving the NHS. To tackle this, health unions and NHS employers have agreed ​several new flexible measures to encourage staff to continue their careers in health. The provisions will apply in England, Scotland and Wales, with similar measures expected to follow in Northern Ireland. New contractual terms will allow staff to: Request flexible working from the start of their employment (removing the requirement to have six months’ service) Make an unlimited number of applications for flexible working, instead of just one a year Submit applications without having to justify requests or provide specific reasons ​Access a process ​wher...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release flexible working NHS staff Source Type: news