Promoting flexible working arrangements helps widen talent pools and attract top candidates, according to Frank Douglas, group HR director, Transport for London.

Douglas comments follow a report in The Independent on Sunday, claiming that Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper is to promise that from later this year, every time a new full-time vacancy is advertised in a job centre, employers will be asked if the position can be instead offered part-time, as a job-share or another variant of flexible working.

Douglas told Recruiter: “Transport for London recognises the benefits of flexible working arrangements for the business and for our employees and is already in the practice of considering whether new vacancies can be filled on a part time or job share basis. TfL is also looking at further flexible working options for the future. Promoting flexible working arrangements widens the candidate pool and attracts the best candidates but also contributes to employee motivation, retention and progression.

“Hiring managers within TfL, who may have not been aware or considered flexible working before in their rush to fill roles, now receive training on flexible working practices and how to factor flexible working into their teams.”

See Recruiter out today for our profile on Sharon Kardam, head of resourcing at Transport for London.