Flexible working could worry employers
Fri 22 Feb 2008
Extending the right to flexible working could cause problems for some employers, the government's business secretary has warned. John Hutton explained his concerns as an independent review looks into the rights of parents with children aged more than six. "We want to avoid a situation where employers are so overwhelmed with requests for newly eligible groups that they feel they have to say no to everyone," he cautioned. Currently, most workers have the right to apply for flexible working, although business groups have expressed their worry that further rights would be damaging to productivity. Mr Hutton said: "Put simply, the more people who have the right – the harder many businesses may find to prioritise those whose needs are greatest." At present, parents with children who are under six or disabled can apply for flexi-time. It is estimated that if the age limit were raised to 12, another 2.6 million workers would then qualify.
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