REC report: Flexible working ‘softens’ job losses in the downturn
20 September 2012
A new report from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) argues that flexible working must be encouraged throughout UK business.
Thu, 20 Sep 2012
A new report from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) argues that flexible working must be encouraged throughout UK business.
The chair of the commission putting together the report says flexible working has already softened the blow of job losses suffered during the recession.The REC’s Flexible Work Commission’s report has been published today following interviews with 29 businesses and employer bodies in both the UK and overseas. Among its key recommendations are:
David Frost CBE, former director general of the British Chamber of Commerce and chair of the REC’s Flexible Work Commission, says: “Whilst unemployment in this country stands at over 2.5m, it is still significantly below levels experienced during previous recessions.
“A key reason for this is that business has adopted a range of flexible working practices that have enabled them not only to sustain their companies but also, and importantly, to hold onto their employees. This flexibility was not seen in previous downturns.
“There is an opportunity to create a real positive legacy from the recession if we can share the knowledge and experience from organisations who have successfully used flexible work arrangements to improve their businesses with more employers throughout the UK.”
REC chief executive Kevin Green adds: “The UK has a competitive advantage in its flexible labour market, and by enhancing and promoting the benefits of flexibility to all, we can leverage this advantage to create more, and better, jobs in the UK.”
A new report from the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC) argues that flexible working must be encouraged throughout UK business.
The chair of the commission putting together the report says flexible working has already softened the blow of job losses suffered during the recession.The REC’s Flexible Work Commission’s report has been published today following interviews with 29 businesses and employer bodies in both the UK and overseas. Among its key recommendations are:
- Businesses must engage workers in designing flexible roles, and reinforce that whole workforce can be involved in flexible work, not just certain groups
- Recruitment agencies should advise employers and challenge assumptions about flexible work possibilities
- Businesses must do more to train leaders and managers, giving them the confidence and skills to lead flexible teams effectively.
David Frost CBE, former director general of the British Chamber of Commerce and chair of the REC’s Flexible Work Commission, says: “Whilst unemployment in this country stands at over 2.5m, it is still significantly below levels experienced during previous recessions.
“A key reason for this is that business has adopted a range of flexible working practices that have enabled them not only to sustain their companies but also, and importantly, to hold onto their employees. This flexibility was not seen in previous downturns.
“There is an opportunity to create a real positive legacy from the recession if we can share the knowledge and experience from organisations who have successfully used flexible work arrangements to improve their businesses with more employers throughout the UK.”
REC chief executive Kevin Green adds: “The UK has a competitive advantage in its flexible labour market, and by enhancing and promoting the benefits of flexibility to all, we can leverage this advantage to create more, and better, jobs in the UK.”
