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The times they are a-changing

8th January 2004, Page 32
8th January 2004
Page 32
Page 32, 8th January 2004 — The times they are a-changing
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Instead of simply demanding more money in their pay packets, workers are increasingly asking for extra time off. How should employers react to

requests for flexible working? Patric Cunnane reports.

With the new year under way many of your staff will have been pondering the meaning of work and life. Some will have made a resolution to work fewer hours than last year and this is when they will come to you to talk about flexible working.

in New Labour-speak this kind of arrangement is part of the move towards achieving work-life balance. Even in Britain, where we workthe longest hours in the EU, people are finally recognising there is more to life than the daily grind. This isn't part of some utopian dream — the government has even set aside £10.5m for employers to spend on consultancy fees when developing flexible hours schemes.

One recipient was the London Borough of Merton, which received £45,000 from the Work-Life Balance Challenge Fund to tackle problems faced by low morale and high staff turnover.

Since the road transport industry suffers from a serious recruitment problem there might be something positive to be gained from embracing work-life balance policies and giving drivers a say in designing theirjobs to suit their lifestyles.

Why flexible working?

Employees' reasons for requesting a flexible working arrangement vary widely. Childcare responsibilities or caring for dependent relatives are the most common, with ill health. disabilities and "easing into retirement" also popular. But pursuing other interests, further education and training, are increasingly commonplace reasons for making this request.

Employees whose children have left home and who have paid off their mortgage may begin to value extra time ahead of extra money.

Must employers agree?

No. At present most flexible working arrangements are achieved by negotiation. However, from 6 April 2003 a person responsible for bringing up a child aged under six, or 18 if disabled, has the right to request a flexible working arrangement to enable him or her to care for the child.

The individual must make the request in writing and the employer must arrange a meeting to hear the request.

The employee, who can choose a companion or union representative to attend the meeting, must receive a written reply within 14 days, either confirming the request or giving sound business reasons why it has been refused. The employee has the right to appeal. •


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