Ask Abeceder a question.
Visit the Abeceder shop for our collection of business related books, and audio-visual resources
|
Abeceder Shop transactions are processed by:
The Abeceder Shop accepts:
Abeceder is a member of:
|
|
 |
News Review
The Abeceder press review highlights stories from around the world.
Send Us Your News
If you would like to send us a new item, please complete our online form.
Greater workplace flexibility helps beat downturn - 22-05-2008 |
The TUC has described the current economic downturn as having the potential to be a catalyst for more flexible working, rather than an excuse to retreat from innovative working practices.
Speaking at the annual Work Wise UK summit, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said that while there has been impressive progress in the availability of flexible working over the last few years, there are worrying signs that long hours are enjoying a cultural renaissance, along with unpaid overtime and wasteful commuting time.
Recent TUC reports on work-life balance have found that in the last year alone, the ten-year decline in long hours working has stalled and then started to rise again, with 175,000 more people working more than 48 hours per week in 2007, compared to 2006.
The number of employees who commute for more than an hour a day has increased by 40 per cent in the last decade. The amount of unpaid overtime across the UK is now worth a record £25 billion a year, with nearly five million people working an average of seven hours 12 minutes unpaid overtime every week.
TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:
'Real progress has been made in persuading more employers to offer innovative flexible working practices. Those employers that take the plunge report back benefits to their business, including improved productivity, reduced costs, and better staff recruitment, retention and motivation.
'What a shame then that all we ever seem to hear from the business lobby is continued negativity towards flexible working. Last week's all-so-predictable bleating around extending the right to request was a case in point.
'But despite the good news on flexible working, over the last year there have been worrying signs of a long hours cultural renaissance. An increasing number of employees are expected to work more than 48 hours a week and put in extra hours for free. We must all work to ensure that these are temporary blips and not developing trends.
'As we enter a period of economic uncertainty, it's tempting for employers to retreat from innovative working practices and instead work existing staff harder and longer. But the need for increased productivity is greater than ever, which makes this the perfect time for companies to introduce smarter working practices. Those employers who are keen to make flexible working work for their business and staff will find willing accomplices in trade unions.'
| Work Wise UK
|
View our editorial policy click here.
|
|
|
