The CIPD has said that everyone should be entitled to flexible working rights, not just parents and carers.
The government has set a deadline of 2015 for the introduction of flexible working for everybody and this must be adhered to if the UK is to avoid a two-tier workforce. Organisations of all sizes get genuine benefits from flexible working, the CIPD pointed out in its reply to the coalition’s consultation on Modern Workplaces.
Mike Emmott, the CIPD’s employee relations adviser, said that a lot of employers are now willing to consider flexible working requests from any member of staff. They realise the benefits of helping their staff achieve the type of balanced work – personal lifestyle enjoyed by workers such as umbrella company contractors.
What concerns the CIPD is that the government is considering exempting micro-businesses and new start-ups from these proposals. Excluding any business from employment regulation could lead to a two-tier labour market and discourage small businesses from expanding.
Emmott went on to call on members of the CIPD to support the proposals for shared parental leave. He said the current division of caring responsibilities is unlikely to shift unless parents are allowed to share leave and pay.
The EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, also supports flexible working but does not believe that it should be a universal right. Tim Thomas, the organisation’s head of employment affairs, said flexible working is widespread in the manufacturing sector and further regulation is unnecessary. However, the government should simplify its proposals on parental leave, he added.
The REC has also responded to the consultation by suggesting that flexible working does not just apply to permanent jobs. A lot of people opt for a temporary role, simply because it does provide the flexibility they need to balance their personal commitments.
Gillian Econopouly, the REC’s head of policy, said the government needs to increase flexibility whilst keeping the burden of regulations low. Businesses and employees should be encouraged to work together to devise flexible working arrangements that are mutually beneficial.
© 2011 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Image: keep cool on the swimming pool by Julien Haler
