Tesco has become the first UK supermarket offer all employees across the business the right to request a flexible working pattern from their first day in the job.

Under current employment law, employees have to wait six months to request flexible working. The UK government is expected to make changes to the law in spring 2024, allowing employees to request flexible working sooner to the start of employment.

The supermarket chain said the move demonstrates its commitment helping over 300,000 employees find a work life balance and give them enough time for childcare or other commitments. It added that the change will help the company attract and retain talent.

Tesco claims it already has a large number of employees who work part time. Going forward, all full-time advertised roles will be available as flexible or part-time.

“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,” said James Goodman, Tesco UK people director.

“We aim to create a positive culture at Tesco where managers will do as much as they can to facilitate these requests for flexibility.”

Last month, Tesco announced that it would offer all employees unlimited virtual appointments with a GP seven days a week, while the supermarket has also started to offer an expanded range of emotional well-being support through its Employee Assistance Programme.

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