Research by the Trade Union Congress has shown that women are more likely to have flexible working arrangements.
However, much of the UK’s workforce now enjoy a degree of flexibility in their work patterns, but what does this mean for employers?
Flexible workers
Flexible working can include working from home, job sharing, and compressed hours. It also includes both part-time and term-time work.
This can impact the hours and pay of the employees meaning they work and earn less.
However, some forms of flexible working, such as home working and compressed hours, can mean employees can continue to work full-time and not lose hours or pay.
Across the UK, millions of employees are classed as flexible workers.
What does the research show?
Research by the TUC shows that women are more likely to work in these arrangements, meaning they work fewer hours, often resulting in a reduced salary.
The research points to the uneven distribution of childcare in the home as to why women are more likely to work in these arrangements.
Part-time working is the most common flexible working arrangement for women, this is followed by term-time working.
Job sharing is the least common form of flexible working, but women are still three times more likely than men to work in this way.
What can employers do?
The Government has asked businesses to open up flexible working in all industries, where possible, although it hasn’t formally legislated for this.
This includes unlocking the flexibility in jobs based on hours and location flexibilities. Employers should ensure they have flexible working options available to employees.
Also, the Government has proposed to make flexible working a legal right from the first day in the job. Employers will have to justify why this is not possible if they are unable to do so if legislation is eventually introduced.
The proposals also suggest that there shouldn’t be a limit on how many times you can request flexible working arrangements.
If you need advice on your working arrangements and flexibility in the workplace, contact us today.