TIME TO “STOP THE WITCH-HUNT” AGAINST FLEXIBLE WORKING, SAY UNIONS

Posted on 15th October 2024

Unions and equality campaigners have condemned escalating attacks on flexible working. A joint statement signed by organisations and campaigners including the TUC, Age UK, the Fawcett Society, Anna Whitehouse (founder of Flex Appeal) and Pregnant Then Screwed – warns of a “witch-hunt” against workers being able to work more flexibly.

The intervention comes as the government prepares to publish its Employment Rights Bill which is expected to enhance existing rights to flexible working.

Highlighting the ongoing briefing against flexible working, the organisations say “It’s time to stop the witch-hunt against flexible working. In recent weeks, we have seen relentless scaremongering about how new legislation on flexible working will harm UK businesses and productivity. These warnings couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Pointing to the recruitment and retention problems facing employers the organisations say “There are 800,000 fewer people in the workforce than before the pandemic, and one of the biggest issues facing employers is recruiting and retaining skilled staff.

"Look at our public services. In the midst of a staffing crisis, health, education and social care workers are leaving due to a lack of flexibility.

"This is not an isolated example. Research published by the Charter Institute of Professional Development last year found that an estimated four million people have changed careers due to a lack of flexibility at work.

“Flexible working can bring more people back into the labour market and keep them there.”

Criticising the bad faith nature of the attacks on flexible working, the organisations say “Some have tried to claim flexible working is just about working from home. But there are there are many different forms of flexible working.

“For some people it means stable and predictable shift patterns so they can do the school run. For others it means compressed hours to allow for an extra day at home to care for loved ones. And for some it’s a job share to allow time for study alongside work.

“This is about developing patterns of work needed for a modern economy and a modern workforce. Flexible working is good for workers, good for employers and good for growth.”

For more information visit tuc.org.uk.