Flexible working proving thorny issue for employers and employees alike

It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the fifth anniversary of what has come to be known as "the pandemic."

Though the virus is no longer the threat it was in early 2020, its impact continues to resonate—especially when it comes to the way we work.

In the UK, millions of people transitioned to working from home, and what started as a necessity during a global crisis has now evolved into a heated discussion.

Employers and employees alike are grappling with issues around productivity, workers' rights, and finding the right balance between work and personal life.

Lord Rose, one of the UK’s most respected business figures—widely known for his successful turnaround of Marks & Spencer—recently weighed in on the matter. In a BBC Panorama programme, he suggested that working from home may be contributing to declining productivity and aggravating the challenges of a sluggish economy.

The shift to remote work has also had significant effects on local economies. For example, industry experts report that vacant office space has nearly doubled since the pandemic, a quarter of dry-cleaning businesses have closed, and the number of people playing golf on weekdays has surged by an astonishing 350%, hinting that some employees are blending work with leisure.

It’s clear that working from home has become more than just a temporary solution; it reflects a shift in our collective mindset. Currently, the Labour government is working on legislation to strengthen employees' rights to request remote work, with plans to make it harder for employers to reject such requests.

In response, some employers—including public sector organizations—are pushing to bring staff back to the office, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face collaboration for effective teamwork and meeting customer or client demands.

At Dale and Newbery, we’re not here to take sides in this complex debate. Instead, we’re focused on helping businesses and individuals navigate the legal challenges that have arisen from this ongoing shift.

As this trend continues to unfold, our employment law team remains in high demand, helping resolve a variety of related issues.

It’s clear that this debate is far from over, and these are undoubtedly challenging times in both the world of work and employment law. Whatever your specific concerns may be, our dedicated employment law solicitors are here to provide the guidance you need—ensuring peace of mind for both employers and employees alike.

If you need assistance or would like to discuss any other legal matter, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help.