The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) are teaming up to research examples of effective flexible working in small firms that is delivering benefits for businesses and their employees. These examples will be used to produce advice and practical guidance for small firms that want to offer flexible working, but are concerned about the consequences for their business.

Mike Emmott, Employee Relations Adviser at the CIPD, says: “Employers who offer flexible working opportunities benefit from an engaged workforce and improved profitability. That is why UK employers are already offering a variety of flexible working opportunities, in many cases to employees not covered by the statutory right to request flexible working.  It is a focus on the business case, not an increased legislative burden, that is the key to improving working lives.”