WORK WISE WELCOMES GOVERMENT'S COMMITMENT TO FLEXIBLE WORKING
The Government's commitment to flexible working as outlined in the Queens
Speech yesterday has been broadly welcomed by Work Wise North East, the
regional campaign to promote smarter working practices.
However, whilst regional Work Wise campaigners are pleased that the
Government is taking the flexible working agenda seriously, they do not
all view legislation as being the best way to encourage the wider adoption
of flexible working practices.
Gordon Brown used his first Queen' speech to set out a potentially
controversial work-life balance agenda that could give flexible working
rights to as many as 4.5 million extra parents. Employees with children
as old as 17 could be given extended rights that have proved popular to
parents with much younger families.
At present the right to seek flexible working applies only to parents with
children under six or parents of disabled children under 18.
The Government is responding to public demand and campaigning for smarter
ways of working. A survey released yesterday suggested there was
increasing interest in flexible working with 93% of employers responding
favourably to requests by staff.
Mr Brown is looking to review legislation but is planning to consult
business groups on whether they should apply only to parents with children
at primary school or include parents with children as old as 17.
Peter Wignall, managing director of The Workplace Travel Plan Company said
"Ultimately, it is in businesses' interests to allow flexible working
where possible as it will increase morale, which will aid productivity and
help attract and retain employees.
However, the Government must be mindful it is much easier for a large,
businesses to accommodate flexible working than it is for smaller ones.
The right to request flexible working is different from the right to
receive flexible working, and it is important a sensible balance is
struck.
Employers realise smarter working is good for business in that it boosts
productivity, can save costs and makes for happier and more committed
employees who offer loyalty and dedication in return for a good work-life
balance.
Whilst I welcome that flexible working is on the Government's radar, I
don't think regulation is necessarily the answer as businesses already
suffers from enough red tape and one size cannot fit all. I should always
prefer consensus over regulation".
Simon Roberson regional chairman for Work Wise North East said:
"If this makes people look at the positive benefits to be gained from
flexible working then this can only be a good thing. However, the biggest
benefits both for employers and society will be achieved by the widest
possible use of smarter working. The danger is by restricting it to
specific groups, that employers will only focus on complying with
legislation and not see the wider benefits"
Definitions of flexible working under the legislation include part-time
working, job sharing, flexitime, working a compressed week and working
from home. The right is currently available to any employee with 12
months service regardless of the size of the company.
November 9, 2007
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