Commenting on a survey by conciliation service ACAS published today (Thursday) that shows most workers are unaware of a change in the law making it easier to request flexible working, UNISON head of equality Josie Irwin said:
“This law change is a welcome move but doesn’t go far enough. Giving everyone the right to work flexibly from day one in a job would be beneficial for staff and employers alike. It would also help bring workplaces into the 21st century. Bosses have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“It is possible to do most jobs flexibly with a bit of imagination. The evidence is that giving staff the opportunity to balance work with other commitments not only improves morale, but can also help employers fill hard-to-recruit jobs. And with fewer vacancies, services provided to the public are likely to improve.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Sophie Goodchild M: 07767 325595 E: s.goodchild@unison.co.uk
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
