Flexible working extension gets go-ahead
The right to request flexible working is to be extended from parents with children under the age of six to parents with children under the age of 16, despite opposition from business groups.
Organisations like the Federation of Small Businesses and the Confederation of British Industry have been calling for a delay in the legislation to reflect the current economic climate.
But the government has announced that it is pressing ahead with its plans, which will come into effect on April 6th and will benefit a further 4.5 million workers at different stages of career development.
Pat McFadden, the employment relations minister, said: "Parenting doesn't end as children get older. Extending the right to request will help more parents get the flexibility they need.
"The business benefits of flexible working are well documented and this remains the case in tougher economic times."
A survey by the Chartered Management Institute last year found that only 29 per cent of its members thought delaying flexible working legislation was a good idea and 57 per cent called for the government to launch a 'flexible working for all' policy.
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Wow, like I mentioned on the blog post about this law being introduced in the first place - it's a large burden to request that firms MUST do this by law. To extend this from 6 - 16 means the effects will be several times more severe - due to the larger number of parents that fall under this umbrella. However its not like people would request the right to work less at a time when recession bites.
Maybe not right now Simon but it could have a severe impact as things start to ease just when companies are hoping to get back on track.
Imagine if everyone asked involved only asked for every other friday off (wouldn't have such a major impact on income net of tax)- how hard would that be to cover for?