NEWS IN BRIEF

The Government recently announced a review into whether more working parents should be able to benefit from flexible working, as a new survey showed increasing demand.

According to the 2007 Work-Life Balance Employer Survey, there are far more flexible working arrangements now compared to 2003.

It showed that part-time working is available in 92 per cent of workplaces (compared to 81 per cent in 2003). Job sharing and flexitime have also increased substantially (59 per cent, up from 39 per cent; and 55 per cent, up from 38 per cent, respectively).

The same survey also showed that 92% of employers believe that people work best when they can balance their work and the other aspects of their lives. 92% of employers (covering 96% of employees) said they would consider an employee’s request to change a working pattern.

According to the Government, over 6 million employees with children under six currently have the right to request flexible working. If the age limit was raised from six to children under 17, an extra 4.5 million parents would benefit.

To read the executive summary, go to: http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file42220.pdf