20 Million to Benefit from Flexible Working

From this week, every employee will gain the right to request flexible working, which is expected to benefit more than 20 million employees.

Flexible working helps people to balance their work with responsibilities. Up until now, the right was only available for carers, or people who look after children.

The scheme was introduced by Liberal Democrats in Government in order to help older workers and to keep people in long-term employment. It is expected to be of particular interest to young people who want to take up additional learning while they work.

Nick Clegg said: "Modern businesses know that flexible working boosts productivity and staff morale, and helps them keep their top talent so that they can grow. It's about time we brought working practices bang up to date with the needs, and choices, of our modern families.

"This is a crucial milestone in how we can help people balance their family life with work and caring responsibilities. And from next year, Shared Parental Leave will allow mums and dads to be able to choose how they care for their new-born in those first precious months."

Healix, which is Europe's largest provider of medical evacuation, has reported lower staff turnover and levels of stress since introducing flexible working. Staff can work flexibly to allow them to balance things like childcare, further education and volunteering.