Usdaw presents evidence for the extension of flexible working to all parents

“The right to request flexible working has proved a huge success since it was introduced in 2003”, said Usdaw General Secretary, John Hannett. “We believe there is a good business case for all parents to be able to access this important right.”

Representatives and members of the retail union, Usdaw, travelled to London to make the case at a Government initiated consultation as part of a review of flexible working for parents. The Government agreed to a review in response to Usdaw’s campaigning and asked Imelda Walsh, the HR director of Sainsbury’s, to conduct it.

Usdaw successfully campaigned for the right to request flexible working, which was introduced for parents of children under six and parents of disabled children up to the age of 18. The right was extended last year to working carers of elderly and disabled adults.

John Hannett, said:

“Our members consistently tell us that working time is a major issue for them and they need help to balance their working lives with their home life. Being able to work flexibly is often the difference from being able to take a job or being stuck on benefits.

“For the individual, access to work is the best route out of poverty. For business, offering flexible hours significantly increases the pool of talent they can recruit from and helps retain staff when their home circumstances change.”

Usdaw estimates that at least 75% of their members are parents or carers and this number is growing all the time. Many of Usdaw’s members, both men and women, are parents of school-age children and this review is very important to them.

John Hannett concluded:

“Extending the right to request flexible working to parents of children under 18 is good for workers and good for business. Our members made it clear at the consultation meeting that their needs as a parent do not end when a child reaches six. Needs change as your child goes through school and college and there are times when you have to be there for them.”

For more information visit:

www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/supportingparentsandcarers/

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Cherry Hamilton, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail cherry.hamilton@usdaw.org.uk
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fifth biggest trade union, with over 360,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Subscribe/unsubscribe to Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service.

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