The APPG will focus on championing flexible working policies that support families across the country to remove the barriers that people with caring responsibilities face in the workplace.

SF Recruitment, led by CEO Saira Demmer, is one of five group members involved in the launch.

The group is jointly chaired by Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead & Kilburn, Shadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury (City Minister), and the Rt Hon Dame Maria Miller, Conservative MP for Basingstoke and the Working Families charity, which is acting as secretariat.

The APPG on Flexible and Family-Friendly Working will sit in the House of Com-mons and focus on progressing policies that help create more family-friendly work environments. The inaugural meeting of the APPG is anticipated to take place in March, marking the beginning of a concerted effort to drive legislative changes that promote flexibility in the workplace. Key stakeholders will be invited to attend, including policymakers and influencers dedicated to reshaping the future of work.

The collaboration between SF Recruitment and the other members including Wates and Zurich highlights the commitment of leading organisations to support and drive positive change in workplace practices. As advocates for progressive employment policies, they are well placed to contribute valuable insights and resources to the APPG’s mission.

SF Recruitment has been an employer member of Working Families since 2022, as part of its commitment to offering flexible working to their employees, the foundation of which is trust and freedom, a company statement said. Employees are able to mould their schedule around their personal circumstances and preferred style of working. Hybrid working is encouraged, with office days co-ordinated between teams to ensure joined-up practice.

“Flexible working has been incredibly successful for the business, with profitability doubling in the first year. In one year alone they created five new job titles, two of which are part-time. This approach has seen them attract and retain talent they would have otherwise lost out on,” the SF Recruitment statement said.

Demmer said: “We know that flexibility works, and that the vast majority of employees want it. But we also recognise the challenges businesses face in implementing flexibility in a way that enhances performance rather than dilutes it. We want to share the benefit of our experience and are committed to raising awareness of the benefits of family-friendly working. It’s what motivated us to join the APPG, and we’re looking forward to taking an active role in helping UK businesses use flexible working to create workplaces where people can thrive both personally and professionally.”

Jane van Zyl, CEO at Working Families, said: “We believe that flexible working is not just a benefit but a necessity for the modern workforce. This APPG will play a pivotal role in advocating for policies that empower families, support a better work-life balance and contribute to a more inclusive and productive society.”

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Pictured above (l-r): Tulip Siddiq MP, Jane van Zyl, CEO, Working Families and Rt Hon Dame Marie Miller MP ©SF Recruitment