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Work and Families Bill

And from Conservative Members—I am sorry to have left them out. I understand why the provision to allow people to request flexible working is being phased in. The Government’s step-by-step approach is sensible, but I hope that they will be prepared to consider extending the right to everyone. This is a light-touch regime: people will have the right only to request flexibility, not to get it, but they will be able to discuss the matter with their employer. Indeed, anyone who falls outside the Bill still has the right to ask their employer, but there is no statutory framework to facilitate that. I hope that the Government will say that as time goes by and the arrangements are assessed and evaluated, they will be able to go on to ensure that everyone has the same right of request. The debate has been well conducted at every stage, and there has been broad consensus about sensible provisions. I confirm that we shall support the Bill.