Flexible companies can keep best employees

Companies should ensure they do everything they can to keep their most experienced and capable staff during a recession, it has been stressed.

According to Debbie Bird, editor of parenting magazine babyworld.co.uk, employees will recall for a long time the way their employer handles their career development.

She continued: "When better times return the employer that has fairly and respectfully treated its workforce will keep the best staff."

Ms Bird went on to say that if companies take the view that homeworkers can be as productive as those in the office, then the working environment will be transformed.

"The benefits are huge for a proactive and imaginative employer who can challenge the work ethic," she added.

Earlier this week, Steeles Law solicitors said that a new ruling by the European Court of Justice, which could give employees the right to claim back holidays which have been lost to illness, may prove to be problematic for employers.

Does it matter where people work?  Are results all that matter?