Two thirds of UK businesses support proposals to extend flexible working to more employees, new research has found.
A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that as well as the strong backing to extending the rights to certain staff, nearly half felt all employees should benefit from flexible working.
At present, only staff with young or disabled children can apply for flexible working, which allows employees to work irregular hours or from home.
The government plans to increase the number of staff who can apply for flexible working, in a pre-election bid to improve employees’ work-life balance.
The widespread support among employers for the plans contradicts a statement released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last week, which urged the government not to adopt further family-friendly measures due to the associated costs and red tape.
Previous studies have shown that while some small firms have struggled to allow for flexible working, new technology has enabled many staff to work just as productively from home.
Industry commentators have pointed out the business benefits of flexible working, claiming that it makes staff happier and more productive. The scheme has been credited for allowing employers to save money on large premises by allowing staff to work from home.
Mike Emmott, of the CIPD, said that he had urged the government last year to extend flexible working to all employees.
“In light of these research findings, and taking into account the other evidence we have about the way in which employers and workers are responding to the legislation, we have no doubt that judgement was right.
“The way the legislation is framed seems to have struck about the right balance between encouragement and enforcement, with employers currently using the existing flexible laws to reinforce good practice,” he said.
