Flexible working
Last week the government annoucned it would expand the right to request flexible working, providing a boost for busy, hard-working families.
Currently, those with children under the age of six and parents of disabled children can request flexible working, but this right is now being extended to all parents with children under 16, covering an extra 4.5 million people.
Flexible working includes working from home, part-time work, compressed hours, flexi-time or other arrangements agreed with employers. It is designed to help families balance work and family life more easily, such as helping parents manage the school run and to spend more time with their kids.
The legislation is meant to benefit businesses as well as parents. Employers find they get the best out of employees when they allow them to work flexibly, being happier, more engaged and more productive. Evidence shows that over 90% of employers believe people are likely to work best when they can strike a good balance between work and family, and over 90% of workplaces who received requests for flexible working in the last year approved them all. Arrangements for flexible working are discussed and negotiated between the employee and employer, allowing both parties to appreciate eachother’s needs.
Chuka said: “This decision highlights the government’s desire to strengthen family life and support parents. I believe the dividends of this approach will help reduce crime and help forge stronger communities, by allowing parents the flexibility to give their children the best possible start in life.”
