The Flexible Working Bill has successfully cleared its third reading in the House of Lords and is expected to receive Royal Assent within this week.

Under the provisions of the new bill, originally introduced by Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi, all employees will be legally entitled to request flexible working conditions from the first day of their employment.

This is a departure from previous rules, which only granted such rights after 26 weeks of employment and - with no guarantees - applie...