UK

Working mothers forced to quit over flexible arrangements as bosses ‘reject requests too easily’

Nine in ten people think bosses are able to reject flexible working requests too easily, according to new research.

A TUC report, shared exclusively with The Independent, discovered there is a significant amount of support for flexible working among parents and disabled workers.

Researchers analysed the responses of almost 6,000 workers who responded to the government’s consultation on flexible working.

The trade union warned workers are pushed into cutting hours, taking unpaid leave, or quitting their jobs if they are not allowed to access flexible working.

Three quarters of those polled would feel uneasy and awkward inquiring about flexible working at a job interview.

One mother said: “Flexible working means we have a shot at making all of our responsibilities work, otherwise, I would have to quit my job and focus on caring for everyone.”

While another explained flexible working enables her to juggle continuing to work with bringing up her child.

“I can continue to contribute to the economy, pay taxes and earn at the level I achieved prior to having a child,” the mother added.

Another mother said: “I am a teacher with a two-year-old and a husband who works shifts. We have no family nearby to support us. My part-time request was refused twice so I’ve handed in my notice with no job lined up.”

Almost all of those who responded lent their backing to the TUC’s demand for the government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy’s consultation to actually lead to concrete legislative change providing more flexible working conditions.

The research comes after it recently emerged the UK government would be delaying proposals to roll out flexible working, with the delays provoking criticism among trade unions and the Labour Party.

The employment bill, which includes such measures, was unveiled in the Queen’s Speech three years ago but government officials told The Financial Times the legislation is not expected to be included in the forthcoming Queen’s Speech this May.

Frances O’Grady, the TUC’s general secretary, told The Independent the government “will be turning its back on working women” if it chooses to abandon the employment bill.

“Attitudes to all types of flexible working changed significantly in the pandemic. Staff and managers alike have seen first-hand over the last two years the benefits flexible working can bring,” Ms O’Grady added.

“Flexible working is essential for people to be able to support their families and contribute to the economy. It is how we keep mums in work and close the gender pay gap. It gives dads more time with their kids. And it helps disabled workers, older workers and carers stay in their jobs.”

She warned the present system is “broken” as she noted “employers still have free rein” to reject “any and all requests for flexible working”.

Ms O’Grady added: “And workers are too scared to ask for flexible working at job interviews, for fear of being discriminated against.

“It’s time for a step-change in flexible working. Almost 6,000 people sent their views to the government, this is their opportunity to listen and act.

“This consultation must result in a change in the law, so that all jobs are advertised with flexible options clearly stated, and all workers have the legal right to work flexibly from their first day in a job.”

Xural.com

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