Workers could be able to put in a request to work from home from their first day in a job under new plans expected to be announced this week.
New laws around flexible working, which were first put forward before the pandemic, will be confirmed this week, The Times has reported.
Under current rules, employees have to accrue 26 weeks – or half a year – of continuous service before they have a legal right to request flexible working.
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Employers are then able to decline requests for flexible working on business grounds.
But new plans could see a law change allowing anyone to request flexible working from the time they start the job.
The move is said to be aimed at enabling women, disabled people and carers to balance their work and life commitments.
It is understood that ministers will confirm the proposals on Thursday as part of a consultation.
However, Labour has said the plans do not go far enough and that workers should be given the right to flexible working, and not just the right to request it.
Deputy leader Angela Rayner said: “This is a U-turn from the Conservative manifesto which promised to make flexible working the default and once again the Conservatives have sold out working people.
“The ‘new normal’ after this pandemic must mean a new deal for all working people based on flexibility, security and strengthened rights at work.”
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