Thursday 4th December 2008
Parents to 'get more flexible jobs'

Parents with children up to the age of 16 will have the right to request flexible working as part of a government proposal.

It has been feared that the government would scrap the flexible working plans in the face of the current economic climate but employment relations minister Pat McFadden confirmed that the extended right would be introduced in April 2009.

"Flexible working can give employers and employees valuable flexibility – helping to keep businesses profitable and people at work," she said.

Jackie Orme, chief executive of the Chartered Institution of Personnel Development, said that she was "delighted" the government had remained true to its earlier promises as flexible working will encourage parents to get jobs.

"Flexible working is good for employers and employees alike. Part-time and flexible workers are happier, more engaged with their work, and therefore more likely to perform better and be more productive," she said.

According to figures published in November by the Office for National Statistics, the number of inactive people of working age has increased but the inactivity rate is unchanged.

Click here job opportunities

CVs 'should include' mobile communication skills  08/01/2009 (09:21) Mobile communication skills are one area that most graduates are missing off their CVs, research has revealed. This could see many university leavers missing out on opportunities as 51 per cent of businesses value... more..

Graduates 'concerned' about job opportunities   08/01/2009 (09:18) Many graduates are worried about their prospects of finding suitable employment as they seek to enter the working... more..

Government announces apprenticeship scheme  08/01/2009 (09:17) The government has announced it is to fund 35,000 new apprenticeships as part of a new employment initiative. more..

Construction jobs - Tube stop redevelopment 'will create jobs'   07/01/2009 (09:36) People looking for construction jobs in the capital may be interested to know that work will start soon on the redevelopment of... more..

Job seekers 'lacking good CVs'  07/01/2009 (09:33) People who have recently been made redundant need to improve their CV skills in order to find employment, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Gerwyn Davies, public policy adviser... more..