Tony Blair has promised to extend flexible working rights to jobseekers who have to care for elderly or sick relatives.
The prime minister said he will widen the rules to include carers after meeting voluntary organisations in 10 Downing Street as part of the government’s ‘Big Conversation’ exercise.
At present, only employees who have children that are disabled or under the age of six have the right to request variable hours under flexible working regulations introduced last year.
Blair’s decision to extend flexible working will impact on the UK’s six million carers who currently have jobs. Employers may also have to implement changes when granting carers more convenient hours.
Carers UK, which held talks with the prime minister, said that 80 per cent of carers were of working age, with one in three willing to return to work if their needs were recognised.
The organisation argued that with the economy needing an estimated two million more workers over the next 20 years, giving greater support to carers could prove crucial in meeting this target.
Although flexible working has proved to have little negative impact on small firms over the past year, recent research has found many employers were unaware of their obligation to consider variable hours requests.
Trade union groups have pointed out the business benefits of flexible working, claiming that productivity is boosted due to happier and more motivated staff.
Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, warmly welcomed Blair’s decision.
“This is tremendous news for carers struggling to juggle work and care.
“Our work over the years has shown time and again that flexibility from employers helps carers to stay in work longer.
“Employers also tell us that they get business benefits from employees in terms of lower absenteeism and recruitment costs.
“In return they get loyalty from employees,” she said.
