Parliament is now in recess for the summer and I am looking forward to spending more time during the break working and campaigning in Bolton.

Before Parliament ended, my Flexible Working Bill received what is known as 'Royal Assent'.

Royal Assent is the final stage of a Bill’s passage through Parliament, which means it is now law.

My Flexible Working Bill gives more powers to employees to request flexibility in their job from day one. It will have a positive impact on the millions of unpaid carers and working families.

This new legislation will make it easier for employees to access flexible working opportunities and will encourage employers to think more about what working arrangements they can offer when advertising vacancies.

The Bill also removes the requirement for employees to explain the impact of their request on the business, it increases the number of requests an employee can make in a year and means the employer has to undergo a formal consultation with employees on the availability of flexible working.

It has cross-party support, receiving backing from the government and also has the support of the TUC and employee rights groups.

Some may say “What difference will this make to me?” The Bill's primary purpose is for Parliament to define the culture and best practice in workplaces. In the wake of the pandemic, flexible working became available to some but not a right for all. This Bill looks to change that culture and advocates for those who may need it most: working class parents and unpaid carers.

This is a positive step forward for many of my constituents and for the country as a whole.