Mansfield and Warsop MP Ben Bradley has this morning welcomed new legislation that will enable millions of workers to request more flexible working patterns.
This new legislation is being put in place to empower workers to have a greater say over when, where and how they work, leading to happier and more productive staff. Flexible working has been found to help employees balance their work and home life, especially supporting those who have commitments or responsibilities such as caring for children or vulnerable people.
Evidence has shown that businesses also benefit from the introduction of flexible working. By removing many of the invisible barriers to jobs, flexible working creates a more diverse working environment and workforce, which studies have shown leads to improved financial returns.
Alongside measures on flexible working, the new legislation also provides greater flexibility for around 1.5 million low paid workers through the removal of exclusivity clauses. This means that workers on or below the lower earning limit of £123 a week will be able to work for multiple employers, allowing workers to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Ben Bradley stated:
‘It is great to see government unveiling plans to give more people greater flexibility in how and where they work. Flexible working has been shown to not only increase productivity for businesses but it also opens up options for workers and can help many families with things such as childcare.’
‘The removal of exclusivity clauses is also a really welcome measure from government. Too often the lowest paid are prevented from making the most of the opportunities presented to them because of these clauses restricting who they can work for. It should never be the case that people are prevented from maximising their earning potential and these plans will help make that a reality.’
‘I know these measures will benefit hard working families across Mansfield and Warsop and I look forward to seeing this legislation progress through Parliament, strengthening the rights of workers in the UK.’
