A Labour MP's bid to remove "invisible restrictions" holding back mums, carers and those with disabilities at work has cleared the Commons.
Labour MP Yasmin Qureshi said she was "delighted" that MPs across the House backed her flexible working bill - which she said will make it easier for employees to stay in work.
She warned that many are being forced out of work because they are unable to balance work-life commitments.
Under new laws proposed by Ms Qureshi, employers will have a duty to consult with staff before turning down their requests for flexible hours or the ability to work from home.
Workers will also be able to request such an arrangement twice within a year, and bosses will be required to respond within two months rather than three.
The sweeping changes will also mean that staff will not have to explain the impact it will have on their employer.
She told MPs: "Offering flexibility to balance work and home life can be key to ensuring participation and progression in the labour market, and to opening up for everyone regardless of their age, gender, disability or location.
"This bill is also for the mothers who have their jobs because their jobs don't support flexible working."
Ms Qureshi said her "focuses on setting the right conditions for employees and employers to have an open-minded conversation about what flexible working arrangements might be possible in any given context".
Voicing his support, Tory Dean Russell said there is a greater demand for flexible working, especially since the Covid pandemic.
He said: "We've learned that flexible working is so much more important because the technology had finally caught up to where society wants to be."
Mr Russell added that flexibility is good for employees and employers, and boosts morale.
MPs were told that posts that advertise having flexible working can attract 30% more applications.
The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill put forward by Ms Qureshi is now set to go to the House of Lords.
