Menu
17/11/2005
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. Over three-quarters of those surveyed also said that they had no element of flexibility in their employment contracts.
The TUC had called for employers to introduce changed ways of working that suit both companies and individuals alike.
The union found that public sector workers were more likely to have a greater work/life balance than people working for private firms. Only 6% of private sector employees were on flexitime, compared to almost 20% of public sector workers.
The report also found that there are now 150,000 more people now working on flexitime since the right to request flexible working time was introduced in April 2003. However, the TUC said that this was still only a little over one in ten of UK employees, whereas in Germany, the percentage of employees on flexitime is three times as high.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Employers should not see flexible working as a burden, but as a positive move that makes sound business sense.
“The right to request to work flexibly has unfortunately had little impact on the UK's long hours culture. Though a few forward thinking employers can see the benefit of a more intelligent organisation of workload and working hours, many bosses are not imaginative enough to meet flexible requests from employees with anything other than a firm no.
“Extending the right to request to work flexibly to all workers might actually help more employers embrace a new working culture that benefits them as well. Sadly, our figures suggest that the day when all employees can enjoy a decent work/life balance is still some considerable way off.”
The report has been published to coincide with the first day of a major two-day conference organised by the European Trades Union Conference and the TUC to discuss flexible working.
(KMcA/SP)
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. Over three-quarters of those surveyed also said that they had no element of flexibility in their employment contracts.
The TUC had called for employers to introduce changed ways of working that suit both companies and individuals alike.
The union found that public sector workers were more likely to have a greater work/life balance than people working for private firms. Only 6% of private sector employees were on flexitime, compared to almost 20% of public sector workers.
The report also found that there are now 150,000 more people now working on flexitime since the right to request flexible working time was introduced in April 2003. However, the TUC said that this was still only a little over one in ten of UK employees, whereas in Germany, the percentage of employees on flexitime is three times as high.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Employers should not see flexible working as a burden, but as a positive move that makes sound business sense.
“The right to request to work flexibly has unfortunately had little impact on the UK's long hours culture. Though a few forward thinking employers can see the benefit of a more intelligent organisation of workload and working hours, many bosses are not imaginative enough to meet flexible requests from employees with anything other than a firm no.
“Extending the right to request to work flexibly to all workers might actually help more employers embrace a new working culture that benefits them as well. Sadly, our figures suggest that the day when all employees can enjoy a decent work/life balance is still some considerable way off.”
The report has been published to coincide with the first day of a major two-day conference organised by the European Trades Union Conference and the TUC to discuss flexible working.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
23 February 2006
Reducing stress is 'key to solving long working hours culture'
Reducing stress is the key to improving the work/life balance of UK workers, management consulting firm Croner has said.
Reducing stress is 'key to solving long working hours culture'
Reducing stress is the key to improving the work/life balance of UK workers, management consulting firm Croner has said.
05 April 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.
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.
05 January 2004
Further NHS 'walk-in' centres planned
Eleven new NHS 'walk-in' treatment centres are set to be created in England, bringing the total number to 64, the government has announced today. The additional centres, where people are able to seek treatment for minor ailments and injuries, are being funded from a three-year £40 million investment package announced in July.
Further NHS 'walk-in' centres planned
Eleven new NHS 'walk-in' treatment centres are set to be created in England, bringing the total number to 64, the government has announced today. The additional centres, where people are able to seek treatment for minor ailments and injuries, are being funded from a three-year £40 million investment package announced in July.
-
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.
