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20/03/2003
Rule changes may make women less employable
New rules on flexible working being introduced following the Employment Act 2002 could make women less employable according to the results of a poll carried out by Croner, the UK’s leading provider of business information.
HR professionals were asked the question: “Do you think the forthcoming flexible working regulations will make employers think twice when recruiting women?” Some 60% of those responding to the Croner website survey believe that employers are likely to think twice when recruiting women as a result of the changes.
Under the regulations - which take effect on April 6, 2003 - eligible parents of children under six years of age will have the legal right to request more flexible working arrangements.
Employers must seriously consider such requests and can only refuse if they can demonstrate that the arrangement would have a detrimental affect on their business.
Dawn Spalding, editor of Croner’s 'Workplace Equality and Diversity' publication said: “The benefits of the new flexible working rules will obviously be negated if the rules result in fewer women in the workforce although the terms of the Sex Discrimination Act should protect women sufficiently.
“Employers need not be wary of flexible working. The key is knowing how to plan and implement it.”
Recommending seven steps to the process, Croner advised:
· Give all employees the opportunity to request flexible working.
· Issue a written procedure to employees notifying them about how to make a request for flexible working.
· Formalise the policy to avoid managers applying different approaches.
· Negotiate the policy as far as possible with employees.
· Protect employees from being penalised for making requests for flexible working.
· Offer additional advice to employees about making a request for flexible working.
· Monitor and evaluate the positive and negative effects of flexible working.
Dawn added: “Evidence shows that employees appreciate having more choice and more control over when, where and how they work.
“Flexible working can reduce both the stresses that rigid working hours can induce and consequently increase levels of concentration, commitment, motivation and productivity. Staff retention is also improved since flexible working gives employees the chance to stay with a company even after changes in circumstances.”
Other legislation taking effect at the same time, under the terms of the Employment Act 2002, includes an increase in Ordinary Maternity Leave from 18 to 26 weeks and an increase in Statutory Maternity Pay from £75 to £100 per week.
Meanwhile, a new right to adoption leave - which mirrors the enhanced maternity leave provisions - is being introduced and, for the first time, there will be two weeks’ paid paternity leave for qualifying employees.
(MB)
HR professionals were asked the question: “Do you think the forthcoming flexible working regulations will make employers think twice when recruiting women?” Some 60% of those responding to the Croner website survey believe that employers are likely to think twice when recruiting women as a result of the changes.
Under the regulations - which take effect on April 6, 2003 - eligible parents of children under six years of age will have the legal right to request more flexible working arrangements.
Employers must seriously consider such requests and can only refuse if they can demonstrate that the arrangement would have a detrimental affect on their business.
Dawn Spalding, editor of Croner’s 'Workplace Equality and Diversity' publication said: “The benefits of the new flexible working rules will obviously be negated if the rules result in fewer women in the workforce although the terms of the Sex Discrimination Act should protect women sufficiently.
“Employers need not be wary of flexible working. The key is knowing how to plan and implement it.”
Recommending seven steps to the process, Croner advised:
· Give all employees the opportunity to request flexible working.
· Issue a written procedure to employees notifying them about how to make a request for flexible working.
· Formalise the policy to avoid managers applying different approaches.
· Negotiate the policy as far as possible with employees.
· Protect employees from being penalised for making requests for flexible working.
· Offer additional advice to employees about making a request for flexible working.
· Monitor and evaluate the positive and negative effects of flexible working.
Dawn added: “Evidence shows that employees appreciate having more choice and more control over when, where and how they work.
“Flexible working can reduce both the stresses that rigid working hours can induce and consequently increase levels of concentration, commitment, motivation and productivity. Staff retention is also improved since flexible working gives employees the chance to stay with a company even after changes in circumstances.”
Other legislation taking effect at the same time, under the terms of the Employment Act 2002, includes an increase in Ordinary Maternity Leave from 18 to 26 weeks and an increase in Statutory Maternity Pay from £75 to £100 per week.
Meanwhile, a new right to adoption leave - which mirrors the enhanced maternity leave provisions - is being introduced and, for the first time, there will be two weeks’ paid paternity leave for qualifying employees.
(MB)
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18 March 2003
Employment legislation warning
UK employment law specialists Addleshaw Booth & Co is warning businesses of all sizes to be ready when many of the key provisions of the new Employment Act come into force on April 6. The new laws include improved maternity rights and new rights to adoption leave and paternity leave.
Employment legislation warning
UK employment law specialists Addleshaw Booth & Co is warning businesses of all sizes to be ready when many of the key provisions of the new Employment Act come into force on April 6. The new laws include improved maternity rights and new rights to adoption leave and paternity leave.
03 August 2009
Flexible Working Consultation Underway
Public consultation begins today on two employment rights proposals. The first is to extend the right to request flexible working to cover wider groups.
Flexible Working Consultation Underway
Public consultation begins today on two employment rights proposals. The first is to extend the right to request flexible working to cover wider groups.
08 February 2011
Belfast College To Loose 200 Staff
Belfast Metropolitan College has confirmed it is likely to shed more than 200 jobs in restructuring plans. The college has finished a 90-day consultation period with unions about the plans - although it also admitted that talks had "broken down". A statement issued on Tuesday said 120 full-time and 93 part time positions are under threat.
Belfast College To Loose 200 Staff
Belfast Metropolitan College has confirmed it is likely to shed more than 200 jobs in restructuring plans. The college has finished a 90-day consultation period with unions about the plans - although it also admitted that talks had "broken down". A statement issued on Tuesday said 120 full-time and 93 part time positions are under threat.
04 April 2003
UK firms unprepared for flexible working
A recent survey suggests that many organisations are not prepared for forthcoming changes in UK employment law, which will increase employees' rights to apply for flexible working.
UK firms unprepared for flexible working
A recent survey suggests that many organisations are not prepared for forthcoming changes in UK employment law, which will increase employees' rights to apply for flexible working.
25 July 2003
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
Government extends protection for NI workers
New measures to protect around 15,000 additional workers from excessive hours and unreasonable working patterns have been introduced by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL).
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
