Menu
05/04/2004
CBI issues flexible working warning to government
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned the government "not to get carried away" with flexible working, after statistics today revealed that eight out of 10 requests for flexible working are being agreed by employers.
The figures from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), issued to mark the first anniversary of the right for parents to ask to work flexibly, revealed that 77% of requests were accepted fully.
The figures, based on a sample of almost 3,500 employees, also showed that since last April almost a quarter of parents in this category had made the request for flexible working.
However, CBI Director-General Digby Jones said that employers regard any talk of enshrining the request in law as "premature".
Flexible working gives employers access to new pools of skilled labour, he said, but that did not mean the government should get carried away with early success.
He added: "Ministers should dismiss any renewed calls to turn the right to request flexible work into a regulated obligation bound up in red tape to provide flexible working on a one-size-fits-all basis.
"We had that debate two years ago and the idea was considered totally impractical and damaging to competitiveness. They should also be clear that it is too early to assess the impact of the legislation and until that time comes nobody should make any assumptions about extensions."
Mr Jones called for further assessments to be made on all aspects of flexible working, and the relative impact on company performance.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said that today's figures should give more parents the confidence to raise the issue with their boss either informally on through the new right.
(gmcg)
The figures from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), issued to mark the first anniversary of the right for parents to ask to work flexibly, revealed that 77% of requests were accepted fully.
The figures, based on a sample of almost 3,500 employees, also showed that since last April almost a quarter of parents in this category had made the request for flexible working.
However, CBI Director-General Digby Jones said that employers regard any talk of enshrining the request in law as "premature".
Flexible working gives employers access to new pools of skilled labour, he said, but that did not mean the government should get carried away with early success.
He added: "Ministers should dismiss any renewed calls to turn the right to request flexible work into a regulated obligation bound up in red tape to provide flexible working on a one-size-fits-all basis.
"We had that debate two years ago and the idea was considered totally impractical and damaging to competitiveness. They should also be clear that it is too early to assess the impact of the legislation and until that time comes nobody should make any assumptions about extensions."
Mr Jones called for further assessments to be made on all aspects of flexible working, and the relative impact on company performance.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said that today's figures should give more parents the confidence to raise the issue with their boss either informally on through the new right.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 April 2009
Flexible Working Rights For Parents
Millions of parents with children under 16 will today be eligible to ask employers for flexible work arrangements. An extra 4.5 million parents – in addition to the six million parents and carers who already have the right – will be able to ask for flexible working arrangements.
Flexible Working Rights For Parents
Millions of parents with children under 16 will today be eligible to ask employers for flexible work arrangements. An extra 4.5 million parents – in addition to the six million parents and carers who already have the right – will be able to ask for flexible working arrangements.
31 March 2010
More Flexible Working Calls
UK Ministers today called on employers to do more to promote flexible working, as it published its response to the Family Friendly Taskforce report. Taking forward the taskforce’s recommendations, Ministers will promote flexible working across the public sector.
More Flexible Working Calls
UK Ministers today called on employers to do more to promote flexible working, as it published its response to the Family Friendly Taskforce report. Taking forward the taskforce’s recommendations, Ministers will promote flexible working across the public sector.
03 October 2006
Conservatives focus on families
The Conservatives have focused on the family on the third day of the party's conference in Bournemouth, with leader David Cameron suggesting that a Tory government would consider easing the tax burden on couples with children.
Conservatives focus on families
The Conservatives have focused on the family on the third day of the party's conference in Bournemouth, with leader David Cameron suggesting that a Tory government would consider easing the tax burden on couples with children.
17 November 2005
Union calls for more flexible working hours
The Trades Union Congress has called for more flexible working hours, after research showed that nearly 10% of UK employees would like to work fewer hours, even if it meant receiving less pay. The TUC’s study found that more than half a million workers have had a request for a shorter working hours turned down by their employers.
Union calls for more flexible working hours
The Trades Union Congress has called for more flexible working hours, after research showed that nearly 10% of UK employees would like to work fewer hours, even if it meant receiving less pay. The TUC’s study found that more than half a million workers have had a request for a shorter working hours turned down by their employers.
22 April 2005
Female pilot wins discrimination case against BA
A female British Airways pilot who wanted to reduce her working hours to spend more time with her young daughter has won a discrimination case against the airline.
Female pilot wins discrimination case against BA
A female British Airways pilot who wanted to reduce her working hours to spend more time with her young daughter has won a discrimination case against the airline.
-
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.
