Response to consultation: Modern Workplaces

Issued by HM Government, Business, Innovation and Skills and Government Equalities Office

Date: 11 August 2011

Introduction

The Commission has created a new evidence-base on work-life balance, flexible working and shared parenting, through its Working Better Project with a related body of policy and research evidence. This points to the need for policy change to bring business benefits to employers and to employees wanting to balance their work with their family and personal responsibilities while increasing participation in the labour market for all.

Many of the recommendations in the consultation reflect our own recommendations on shared parental leave, flexible working and equal pay. We have been guided throughout by extensive consultations with employers and employee representatives. We have sought to minimise the regulatory burden, preferring to recommend the value of an approach agreed by and which satisfies the needs of all parties. Hence our recommendation that the right to request should remain and not be replaced by a right to have. The Commission welcomes this opportunity to respond.

Download our full response (Word)

Last Updated: 30 Aug 2011