Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi, presented her Private Member’s Bill on flexible working to the House of Commons on Wednesday.

It comes as the MP reflected on the changes made to more flexible working during the pandemic.

She explained how now was a perfect time to start looking at “a new understanding on flexible working and why employers should embrace flexible working arrangements beyond home working”.

The Bill will make provision for “the right of employees and other workers to request variations to particular terms and conditions of employment, including working hours, times, and locations”.

After presenting the Bill to the House, Ms Qureshi said: “During the pandemic we saw the potential to work flexibly in more jobs than was thought possible.

“It redefined the workplace.

“It also demonstrated that we need a new understanding on flexible working and why employers should embrace flexible working arrangements beyond home working, to give more opportunity and choice.

“Parents of young children, single parents or individuals with disabilities and health conditions so often need flexible working, but access to these arrangements is not equal for all.

“Improving access would help older people stay in work longer and help parents and carers return to and stay in work.

“This Bill will ensure more people can access flexible working and act as a catalyst to address the barriers faced by women, the disabled, carers, and older people.

“It is also important for wellbeing and productivity in the workforce.

“For employers too, flexible working will create a stronger more diverse workforce which will pay dividends.”

The Bill will be debated during its second reading on Friday, October 28.