Flexible working 'good for firms'
Apr 07 2009
Yesterday's extension of flexible working rights will provide benefits to companies as well as their employees, the Trades Union Congress suggests.
Brendan Barber, the organisation's general secretary, welcomed the right for parents with children up to the age of 16 to be able to request flexible working arrangements from their employer.
He suggests that firms will find their own performance improves as a result of the practice and calls for employers to consider all requests from their staff seriously.
Barber explains: 'Companies whose workers enjoy the benefits of flexible working are likely to feel less stressed and less anxious about balancing their lives at home and work, which means they are more committed and productive.'
Launching the new rules, employment relations minister Pat McFadden pointed out that businesses are still free to deny flexible working requests, but claimed that 95 per cent are currently honoured by employers.
A range of new employment rules came into force yesterday to boost workplace rights, including an extension in annual leave from 24 days to 28, penalties for firms which underpay the national minimum wage and streamlined dispute resolution guides.
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