Firms need to prepare for flexible working changes
Mar 27 2009
Businesses need to prepare for an extension to flexible working rights which comes into effect on April 6th, as ten million employees will now be able to apply.
The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform is warning that an additional 4.5 million workers will gain the right to request flexible working, as parents of children up to the age of 16 will now have access.
Pat McFadden, employment relations minister, says both companies and employees benefit from the scheme: 'The business benefits of flexible working are well documented and this remains the case in tougher economic times.'
Flexible practices, which boost employee productivity, can range from working from home to compressed hours.
In addition, the government states it will result in fewer mothers changing jobs after having children, as they will be able to cope with both their parental responsibilities and their employment.
Paul Sellers, working time policy adviser for the Trades Union Congress, recently said that letting employees work from home can save firms office space costs, which can be expensive in city centres.
Comment by Karen Kennard
Sunday 29th March 2009I am pleased that this if finally going to go ahead. I think many small businesses already implement flexible working practices, but those that don't should not see it as an additional burden but rather a way to save costs, improve productivity, staff loyalty and even help them to ride out the recession. The benefits of flexible working are many.
Report this comment
Comments [1]