Guarded yes to flexible hours

Nov 9 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE Queen’s Speech may have paved the way for an increase in flexible working conditions across the region.

Campaigners at Work Wise North-East have cautiously welcomed Gordon Brown’s commitment to helping parents work flexible hours.

Under Government proposals, parents with children as old as 17 could be given extra workplace rights to reflect their family commitments.

Simon Roberson, regional chairman for Work Wise North-East, said: “If this makes people look at the positive benefits to be gained from flexible working, then this can only be a good thing. However, the biggest benefits both for employers and society will be achieved by the widest possible use of smarter working. The danger is by restricting it to specific groups, that employers will only focus on complying with legislation and not see the wider benefits.”

Under current legislation, parents with children under six or parents of disabled children under 18 are entitled to flexible working conditions. These include part-time working, job sharing and working from home.

The Work Wise campaign aimed at encouraging businesses to move away from traditional office hours has already won the backing of businesses across the region, including the North-East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and The Journal.

Alan Hall, director of EEF Northern, who are backing the regional Work Wise campaign, said: “While we welcome that flexible working is on the Government’s radar, we don’t think more regulation is necessarily the answer, as businesses already suffer from the burden of red tape.”

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the NECC, said: “Ultimately, it is in businesses’ interests to allow flexible working where possible as it will increase morale, which will aid productivity and help attract and retain employees.

“However, the Government must be mindful of the fact that it is much easier for a large, service sector business to accommodate flexible working than it is for a small manufacturer. The right to request flexible working is different from the right to receive flexible working, and it is important a sensible balance is struck.”