People management experts the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is in favour of the forthcoming new law giving parents the right to request flexible working. The institute believes that it is an important step and will encourage organisations to bring their employment practices in line with broader trends taking place in society. These new rights will be brought into effect on 1 April 2003 by the Employment Rights Act 2002.
Mike Emmott, CIPD Employee Relations Adviser, says The new law should not present serious problems to employers. It is a declaration of good practice and common sense.
However, we would have liked to see the right extended to all employees - not just those with young children. We would urge organisations to go beyond compliance with the law, and to respond positively wherever possible to employees' requests for flexible working. There are likely to be significant business benefits if they do, including better recruitment and retention of staff.
Says Emmott, A rigid nine to five, five days a week set up is based on working patterns which have their roots in the 1950s and 60s, when most families had a male breadwinner and a full-time mother at home. For many families, more flexible arrangements are essential. Today's employees are demanding the opportunity to achieve a better balance between work and the rest of their life, and successful organisations are responding to this.
CIPD welcomes new legal rights for parents
and argues for extension to all employees
