Press Release | Telework Association urges Government to act on flexible working

A survey conducted amongst delegates at the Unified Communications exhibition earlier this year reveals that 83% feel that the government should do something to encourage teleworking. And almost half of those (47%) specifically mentioned incentives, tax relief or grants.

The Telework Association, which carried out the survey, has been lobbying for more flexible working and home working since the early 1990s and there is no doubt that these working practices have become more acceptable over the years. But the Association feels that a lot more could be achieved. Brian Higton, the Telework Association Chairman says:

“The ‘right to request’ legislation has certainly raised awareness of flexible working and many more organisations are now considering it, because they have to. However, all the evidence suggests that flexible workers are more productive and loyal and less stressed and these contribute to a more profitable outcome for the organisation. The government could certainly do more to promote these business benefits, rather than emphasising the employee rights aspects.”

Shirley Borrett, Development Director of the Telework Association said:

“Whilst in the UK flexible working has been categorised as part of the employee rights agenda, in places like Japan it is recognised as contributing to solving the problems of traffic congestion, environmental pollution and an aging workforce”

“Rather than concentrating on collecting more taxes in the form of road tolls, the government should put more emphasis on changing travel patterns and behaviour by providing incentives to both organisations and individuals to work more flexibly. If 10 – 15% of the workforce were to work from home one day a week we wouldn’t have the road and rail chaos that we have now.”