Family-friendly working practices should be at the heart of every company and organisation in the UK, one minister has claimed. Speaking as the government announced new plans to increase the flexible working options available to UK professionals, children and families minister Dawn Primarolo said this remains "the best route out of poverty for families". She said the Government wished to do all it can to help parents find employment and stay employed.
However, Ms Primarolo claimed it is crucial that private sector employees also play their part by embracing new working models, including non-standard hours. "My own department is committed to flexible working and has really seen the benefits of supporting those with caring responsibilities in their careers," she stated. "We know that fathers can find it particularly difficult to juggle the responsibilities of work and family."
Ms Primarolo said the government was aiming to make it easier for mums and dads "to strike the right balance" between work and family life.
APA DG, Gareth Osborne, confirmed that APA totally supports the principle of flexible working but stressed that the flexibility afforded to every worker has to be by negotiation and not by right. He said, “Businesses have to remain profitable to survive and flexibility does potentially place a burden on productivity; especially in smaller businesses. I will be writing to the Minister to ensure she engages with the small business groups to structure any new initiatives her department may be planning.”
Member’s thoughts are welcomed.
However, Ms Primarolo claimed it is crucial that private sector employees also play their part by embracing new working models, including non-standard hours. "My own department is committed to flexible working and has really seen the benefits of supporting those with caring responsibilities in their careers," she stated. "We know that fathers can find it particularly difficult to juggle the responsibilities of work and family."
Ms Primarolo said the government was aiming to make it easier for mums and dads "to strike the right balance" between work and family life.
APA DG, Gareth Osborne, confirmed that APA totally supports the principle of flexible working but stressed that the flexibility afforded to every worker has to be by negotiation and not by right. He said, “Businesses have to remain profitable to survive and flexibility does potentially place a burden on productivity; especially in smaller businesses. I will be writing to the Minister to ensure she engages with the small business groups to structure any new initiatives her department may be planning.”
Member’s thoughts are welcomed.
Gareth, APA.
3 comments:
Gareth I completely agree with your comments, it is important to have flexibility but with business and employees being stretched, particularly in the current climate, business owners need to be able to negotiate and must be able to say no if flexi-working will be to the detriment of the business.
Thanks Tracy, great reference. I will also include it in the next Members email.
I only joined recently and wondered why more people don't blog - funny isn't it. I have just read many of the current entries and think the site is excellent.
I hereby undertake to become a regular APA Blog commentator
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