Employers Forced to Offer Flexible Working
By Rita Nissiphorou in In the News on Friday, October 30, 2009
Yvette Cooper, work and pensions secretary has announced that she wants employers to offer better part-time jobs. In addition, job applicants would be able to request flexible working when applying for a job, rather than have to wait 6 months to make such an application, as provided for in current legislation. Ms Cooper has also recommended that part-time positions be promoted through a national database, all in an attempt to make it easier for parents to look for work.
The above recommendations coincide with the second phase commencement of reforms designed to move lone parents whose youngest child is aged 10 or 11 from Income Support to Job Seekers Allowance, also in an attempt to encourage parents seek employment.
However, at a time when all businesses are struggling as a result of the economic downturn, is it realistic to demand that they alter the working practices and incur additional cost or potentially face claims of discrimination if they cannot justify rejecting a request for flexible working hours.
Should such reforms wait until businesses are more financially secure? Or could it be argued that by offering more flexible working conditions, the level of unemployment will decrease which in turn will help the economy get back on its feet?
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