REC calls for a truly flexible workforce

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation's (REC) response to the Government's ‘Modern Workplaces’ consultation has highlighted the importance of flexible work to the economy, and the role that recruiters and the business community must play in building a modern workforce. 

 

The BIS consultation invited views on a range of topics, including extending the right to request flexible working, amendments to the Working Time Regulations in line with European case law, and creating new models for flexible parental leave.

 

In its response, the REC has stressed the importance of adopting a broad approach to flexibility stretching far beyond the traditional ideas about part-time or remote working, to reflect the reality of the modern labour market.

 

Gillian Econopouly, Head of Policy at the REC, said:

 

“To create a fully flexible workforce, Government must balance the aim to increase flexibility with the need to keep regulatory burdens low. The most innovative and flexible solutions are achieved when businesses and their staff work together to adopt mutually beneficial working arrangements, which will not happen just by creating new regulations.”