A truly flexible workforce goes far beyond permanent employees

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has responded to the BIS ‘Modern Workplaces’ consultation, highlighting 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 consultation examines issues such as extending the right to request flexible working, creating new models for flexible parental leave and proposing changes to the Working Time Regulations to bring them in line with European case law.

The REC highlighted the need for Government to adopt 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. The role of the recruitment industry was also highlighted, as a key partner for employers in creating a truly a flexible workforce.

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

“We welcome the government’s recognition of the importance of flexible work, and in particular the acknowledgement of the role that recruitment agencies play.  

"However in order to make a genuinely flexible workforce a reality, Government must recognise that flexible working applies to more than just permanent positions. For many workers, the flexibility of temporary employment enables them to balance commitments such as childcare or education whilst continuing their careers. Similarly, temporary work is a invaluable way for jobseekers to enter the labour market, gaining experience and developing essential workplace skills.

“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. There is also a key role for recruiters in this process, not just by placing candidates but also in providing expert advice to their clients on managing workforce needs, and demonstrating the benefits that a flexible working environment can bring.” 

Source the REC