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Flexible working 'could put more pressure on employers'

May 16 2008

Flexible working initiatives could put extra pressures on employers because of workplace disputes, according to the Engineering Employer's Federation.

Speaking on Channel 4's News at Noon, the deputy director of the federation David Yeandle predicted that management issues could arise from proposed legislative changes which would give all workers with children aged up to 16 the right to ask for flexible working hours.

Yeandle warned: 'It's going to mean more pressures for employers to manage potential issues that can arise between different groups of employees – those who can get the legal right and those who don't.'

Existing legislation allows just parents with children aged up to six or with disabled children aged under 18 to request flexible working.

Yesterday Work Wise UK's Week 2008 was launched which intends to encourage 'smarter working practices'.

May 15th was National Work from Home Day and the week ends with a Work Wise UK summit with representatives from trade unions and MPs in attendance.

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