Wise move in flexible fight

Aug 23 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE campaign to improve working conditions across the region has won more business support.

The pioneering Work Wise North East campaign is seeking to persuade employers to drop the regimented nine-to-five office hours culture.

And the call for flexible working conditions now has the backing of Equality North East.

The Gateshead-based organisation, which aims to remove the barriers to equality in employment, has signed up to be a strategic partner of Work Wise North East.

Liz Reay, chief executive of Equality North East said: “Our organisation aims to remove the barriers to equality in employment. Current working practices such as the nine-to-five culture are archaic and can prevent people taking up and staying in employment.

“Flexible working practices can increase opportunities for many different groups in the community and should be available to anyone struggling to achieve a work-life balance.

“Society must catch up with the reality of modern life and we at Equality North East are fully committed to promoting smarter working practices for the benefit of all.”

The Work Wise campaign is supported by businesses throughout the region, including The Journal.

Simon Roberson, chairman of Work Wise North East and regional manager of BT said “It’s great to have Equality North East on board. They work with many employers and organisations in the region and have a wealth of knowledge and expertise which we are hoping to tap into to meet the challenges of the Work Wise campaign.”

Equality North-East already allow their staff flexible working conditions and are calling on other businesses to follow their lead.

Ms Reay added: “We must bring working practices into the 21st century as they discriminate against those who have a family, who have aged relatives or who have a disability.

“More employers should be encouraged to allow their employees to participate in smarter working practices such as allowing staff to stagger their commute and working from home.”

Further information about the campaign can be found on the website www.workwiseuk.org/northeast