UK Businesses Flout Flexible Working Laws

A survey out today, commissioned by web collaboration experts WebEx , has revealed that UK bosses are failing in their legal responsibilities to working parents.

The study reveals that although EU law states that working parents have the right to request a flexible working scheme, 59% of working parents are unaware of this right.

The survey has also revealed a gender gap in UK flexible working practices. According to the survey, 70% of women report they are not given the option to work from home, in comparison with only 59% of men.

Almost half (47%) of working mothers report a rigid attitude to working hours from employers. Of those that are granted flexible working plans, 12% report an absence of support from bosses.

Jenni Trent-Hughes, celebrity mother and social commentator said: ìFlexible working is the logical solution for working mothers that are struggling to do everything at once, so itís disappointing to see this inflexible working culture. Weíre told that we can ëhave it allí by day we can be high-powered business executives, by night weíre expected to be the perfect wife and mother. If weíre to achieve this, businesses have to give us all the support they can whether that be by allowing flexible working or by supplying us with the right technology.î

Jonathan Swan, head of policy and research at lobbying and research charity Working Families added, ìThe study shows that women who opt for a flexible plan are still being seen as being less committed or falling on to the ëmummy track.í Likewise, itís difficult for men, who are expected to be hands-on-fathers as well as fitting into a ëlong hoursí culture. This needs to change with bosses actively encouraging their staff to juggle rather than struggle.î

Access to the right technology could be the answer. Of the 55% of working parents who admitted to missing an important family occasion due to work commitments, one in four (26%) believe that access to the right technology would have prevented the clash. If given the option to work from home one in three (31%) of us would work around home commitments to maintain work / life balance.

The study highlights that although many employees already use ìvirtualî communications such as email, web meetings, online workspaces and mobile devices to manage their home and work commitments, their bosses are clinging to the old-world convention of office working every day. Bert van der Zwan, vice president, WebEx EMEA comments, ìUK bosses need to snap out of the mindset that flexible working is unproductive. Adopting a less rigid approach and embracing ëvirtualí technology not only leads to increased productivity, but also boosts morale in workers. Giving staff a choice of where and when they work allows them to spend more time with their families creating a healthier work/life balance.î

One such technology, which will enable flexible working, is WebEx WebOffice. Specifically designed to make working from home easier and more cost effective, WebOffice provides businesses with a ëvirtual officeí, located on the internet. With WebOffice remote workers can collaborate over the web - such as share documents, calendars and databases, assign and track tasks, post group announcements, and hold online meetings.