Flexible working: what are your rights?

The coalition government had long wished to extend flexible working to all qualifying employees, not just those with child or adult dependents. The majority of dental practices operate with a fairly small workforce and have usually been happy to work flexibly with their teams, often on an informal basis. Given the female dominated nature of the profession, dental nurses often work part time because they have child care responsibilities. Many employers understand the pressure on working mums' time and take a generally sympathetic view.

It is not just an issue for working mums though. Research from the Timewise Foundation (2015) shows that flexible working is a powerful recruitment tool for employers (especially among younger employees), and many employees will not consider working in an environment where there is no flexibility. Most forward thinking dental practices accept that where feasible flexible working is very much valued by employees. In consequence they are prepared to do what they can to make the process work.