WORK WISE NORTH EAST BACKS REPORT BY EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES COMMISSION

A SURVEY, published by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) which highlights that the British workforce is losing out on flexible working practices has been backed by Work Wise North East. 
The EOC survey highlights that trailblazing employers are using new ways of working to generate profit, benefit staff and respond to customer needs.  But the EOC states that old fashioned thinking means the majority of Britain's workforce is missing out.
The report reveals that despite the growth in flexible working, the UK is lagging behind its European competitors. Only 20% of UK employers offer tele-working, one of the most popular and cost effective forms of flexible working compared to around 40% in Germany, Sweden and Denmark. And while flexi-time is available in around 90% of German and Swedish companies, just 48% off UK companies offer it.
Launching the report today with the RT Hon David Cameron MP, the EOC has called on Political parties, employers and government to create a new culture of work that's fit for all the UK's 29 million workers.
Simon Roberson, chairman of Work Wise North East, the pioneering regional campaign to promote flexible working practices backs the EOC report - he said:
"Work Wise North East welcomes this report and welcomes David Cameron's comments and his support for flexible working. Our campaign partners recognise there is along way to go in achieving flexible working for all and hence the need for the Work Wise North East campaign

"The discussion at the launch of the EOC report this morning was that everyone should have the right to work flexibly. Work Wise does not feel that businesses should be forced down this route with more legislation as this could have a detrimental affect on small businesses.  However, we do need to encourage organisations to take up the smarter working mantle.

"If organisations want to be an employer of choice, they need to be pro-active in putting a workable framework in place (something achievable) to help implement change and smarter working practices in the workplace.  It is not about just responding to an employee's ad hoc request to work flexibly.  It's about being pro-active and implementing a sustainable programme of working activities in the workplace. Work Wise can help employers put these frameworks in place through the Work Wise Standards and Quality Mark

"To bring the  UK and the North East into the 21st century in terms of work practices - we need to move away from 9 to 5 culture and there needs to be a huge shift in attitudes"

"Smarter working can help increase our region's productivity, while allowing us a better focus on our work life balance, relieve congestion on the roads and at the same time help the environment," said Simon

Kevin Rowan, regional secretary of the TUC, one of the Work Wise North East partners said;

"The TUC welcomes the EOC report.  Flexible Working can enable people to juggle work and caring commitments more easily, whether that's merely being more flexible about start and finish times, introducing nine-day fortnights or enabling people to work from home.  The options for workers and employers are extensive and the benefits are significant too.

"From a worker's point of view, these initiatives can facilitate a much better work-life balance.  There is ample experience of people leaving the labour market altogether following the birth of a child, or due to demands of caring for an older relative. 

"This proves a costly loss for the individual as well as for the employer who has to pick up the additional costs of recruiting and training a new member of staff.  There is also plenty of evidence of particularly women who take a job below their capability, in order to keep their hours manageable - this too is a hidden cost to business and the economy.

"Improved staff retention is one of the benefits for employers but savings can be made in other ways - reducing employee time on site can save a lot on running costs.  And a nine-day fortnight immediately reduces travel to work time by 10%.There is so much potential here for the whole of the region, we really need to give it a serious go.

Phil Flaxton, chief executive of Work Wise uk said "What we are seeing is the beginnings of a complete revolution in the way we work. The changes are unavoidable, and crucial if the UK economy is going to be able to compete in the global economy in the face of competition already emerging from India and China.
"Shifting working practices to meet market demands, such as 24/7 service, is vital for competitiveness. Those companies that don't change to meet market demands will not be here tomorrow.
"But, generally, this change in the way we work is actually for the good. Apart from significantly improving productivity and competitiveness for businesses, adopting new smarter working practices, such as flexible working, home working, remote working and working from home, will also help employees achieve a better work-life balance, reduce the stress caused by work and long daily commutes, with associated health impacts, and positive effect upon family life said Phil.

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Notes to editors:

• Further information about Work Wise UK can be found on the website www.workwiseuk.org. 
• Supporters of the Work Wise UK North East campaign include the  TUC, NECC, EEF, Dickinson Dees, Onyx Group, RBLI, Workplace Travelplan Company,  Government Office North East, One NorthEast and BT.
• The EOC report can be found on the news page of the EOC website WWW.eoc.org.uk
  For further information, please contact: Sheila Chapman PR on 07732 827 486 scpr@btopenworld.com