Flexible working rights to be extended to all employees

Another perk that will make the cushy jobs in the overstaffed public sector even more attractive.
In the private sector where it matters if the work is done on time and they have to work efficiently, it won't be possible for most workers.
They have to make money not waste it.

I've spent my whole working life in the private sector and I do not recognise it as a paragon of efficiency.

But it looks like flexible working rights just means the right to *ask* for flexible working -- which might not be granted.

Under the current legislation, where parents and carers have the right to ask, 80% of requests are being granted.

The employer has to give a valid reason if the request is denied

The employer has to give a valid reason if the request is denied

Yes that's fine in the public sector when they've got all the time and money in the world to sort out disputes.

The last thing a small businessman needs is to have to spend time considering requests, then more time wasted if his rulings are challenged.

One has to ask, will this benefit our economy or harm it????
I have a horrible feeling that it will make us less efficient, so will harm us

Our governments, I despair of them

Would love to go on a 4 day week, 10 hour days.  Does this legislation mean I have the right to ask?

I believe in social justice, but we live in the real world, our economy has to compete

It does Rob, and to expect a good reason when they say no. Something along the lines of "every other cant wants to do it, there'll be no-one here on Friday".

In my experience, the average office worker spends at least two hours a day chatting, facebooking, on the phone etc

Don't forget going outside for a ciggie
not having to clock in, which leads to being late
getting full pay when off sick with a broken fingernail

In my experience the average office worker spends about two hours a day working.

Another reason not to start a business or employ anyone.

bix absolutely, but if you do have to employ people then make sure you employ them on zero hours contracts.

Isn't it amazing with all this socialism and expanding of the welfare state, that the lot of certain workers has actually got worse. And that's including 13 years of a Labour government.

Which is the exact opposite of what traditional Labour supporters have strived for over the decades.

By the way bix you're running in the 3:45 at Hamilton today.