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23/10/2003
Minister Launches Work/Life Balance Research Report
Minister for Labour Affairs, Frank Fahey TD, has launched a research report entitled "Off the Treadmill - Achieving Work/Life Balance" which aims to identify the issues to be addressed in achieving family-friendly working arrangements in the workplace.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Fahey said, "I believe this research provides an excellent analysis of the current state of play on work/life balance in Ireland
"It is a valuable piece of research into the availability and uptake of family friendly working arrangements in Irish organisations. It also examines current attitudes to work/life balance arrangements among employers, employees and work-colleagues and provides a useful insight into a number of the opportunities and challenges attaining work/life balance presents for the future."
David Begg, General Secretary, ICTU said: "This report, commissioned by the National Framework Committee for the Work/Life Balance Policies, provides a timely snapshot of the relatively low level of access that Irish workers have to crucial family friendly and work life balance working arrangements.
"All the evidence to date indicates that organisations with appropriate family friendly/work life balance policies and practices are more productive; workers who have more control over their working arrangements experience greater work satisfaction and report less stress.
"This study again highlights that while women and men may have different priorities in the type of work life balance arrangement they prefer, workers of all ages, and in all sectors and locations, require methods to balance their work commitments with their lives outside the workplace."
Jackie Harrison, IBEC Director of Social Policy, added: " Work/life balance is an important business issue, which can contribute positively to bottom line results in terms of the reduction of casual sickness absence, improved productivity and increased diversity in the workplace. However, the research confirms that the success of these arrangements are dependent on the sharing of responsibilities between employees and employers with no one size fitting all."
Speaking at the launch, Minister Fahey said, "I believe this research provides an excellent analysis of the current state of play on work/life balance in Ireland
"It is a valuable piece of research into the availability and uptake of family friendly working arrangements in Irish organisations. It also examines current attitudes to work/life balance arrangements among employers, employees and work-colleagues and provides a useful insight into a number of the opportunities and challenges attaining work/life balance presents for the future."
David Begg, General Secretary, ICTU said: "This report, commissioned by the National Framework Committee for the Work/Life Balance Policies, provides a timely snapshot of the relatively low level of access that Irish workers have to crucial family friendly and work life balance working arrangements.
"All the evidence to date indicates that organisations with appropriate family friendly/work life balance policies and practices are more productive; workers who have more control over their working arrangements experience greater work satisfaction and report less stress.
"This study again highlights that while women and men may have different priorities in the type of work life balance arrangement they prefer, workers of all ages, and in all sectors and locations, require methods to balance their work commitments with their lives outside the workplace."
Jackie Harrison, IBEC Director of Social Policy, added: " Work/life balance is an important business issue, which can contribute positively to bottom line results in terms of the reduction of casual sickness absence, improved productivity and increased diversity in the workplace. However, the research confirms that the success of these arrangements are dependent on the sharing of responsibilities between employees and employers with no one size fitting all."
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14 January 2005
UK workers opt for work-life balance over pay
Man UK workers would prefer to achieve a better work-life balance, rather than get a promotion or pay rise, a new survey has revealed. Research carried out by Lloyds TSB and campaign group, Working Families, reveals that over two thirds (67%) of the 1,703 people questioned would prefer to have a better balance between their home and working lives.
UK workers opt for work-life balance over pay
Man UK workers would prefer to achieve a better work-life balance, rather than get a promotion or pay rise, a new survey has revealed. Research carried out by Lloyds TSB and campaign group, Working Families, reveals that over two thirds (67%) of the 1,703 people questioned would prefer to have a better balance between their home and working lives.
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).
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.
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.
07 November 2006
TUC Say 48-hour Opt Out Unnecessary
As European ministers meet to discuss the future of the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive's 48 hour limit on the average working week, the TUC has claimed that the UK 'does not need an opt-out' any longer.
TUC Say 48-hour Opt Out Unnecessary
As European ministers meet to discuss the future of the UK's opt-out from the Working Time Directive's 48 hour limit on the average working week, the TUC has claimed that the UK 'does not need an opt-out' any longer.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
