HR Industry News

UK employees missing out on flexible working

— 22 June 2007 —

UK employers are lagging behind the rest of Europe when it comes to offering flexible working.

This is the conclusion of a new report by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) which says that old-fashioned thinking means the majority of British workers do not get offered flexible working.

The study revealed that just 20% of UK employers offer tele-working - one of the most popular and cost-effective forms of flexible working. In Germany, Sweden and Denmark this figure is 40%.

While flexi-time is available in around 90% of German and Swedish companies, just 48% of UK companies offer it.

For the majority of people, the reality of work is still fixed hours at a set place of work, which no longer fits the way they lead their lives. Opportunities for flexible working are restricted to relatively few people. And for many parents and carers, access to flexible working can come with poor pay and career prospects.

Jenny Watson, the chair of the EOC, said that the report lays down the social and economic imperative for a new culture of flexibility at work.

The EOC wants to see decisive action from the government to catch up and make innovative flexible working practices a reality for everybody.

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