Back in the heady days before the recession, flexible working was a perk companies offered to tempt talented new recruits into their employment. Now, however, flexible working is on the rise for an entirely different reason.
When the recession began to bite companies found themselves looking for ways to cut costs. Many chose to make staff redundant but others realised that they could use flexible-working in a way which benefited them and their employees. Offering staff four day weeks for reduced pay, increasing working from home to cut down on office costs and promoting work-life balance initiatives in place of pay-rises all became the norm.
Last week, the Office for National Statistics published a report showing that the number of part-time workers had increased from 117,000 people, whilst another 59,000 now called themselves self-employed. Meanwhile, there are 22,000 fewer people in full time employment. Where once flexible working might have been a bonus it's now become a way to earn more money. Companies which allow part-time workers to arrange their hours around another job will be helping both themselves and their employees.
But has this move away from the traditional office-based, 9—5 really worked? Our panel discuss the pros and cons of flexible working, as well as taking your questions. Join us on the forum from 1pm tomorrow.
On the panel:
Jonathan Swan, policy and research officer for Working Families.
Ruth Spellman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, and Guardian Careers' expert on HR and leadership.
Patrick Woodman, policy and research manager for the Chartered Management Institute.
Karen Kennard, set up Flexible Skills Bank which helps match small and medium sized businesses with employees looking for part-time, freelance or contract roles.
Dr Fiona Robson, senior lecturer in Human Resources Management at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.
Trish Chalk, commercial director at Chwarae Teg, a not for profit organisation which offers advice and training to employers on implementing flexible working.
Philip Landau, partner at Landau Zeffert Weir, Philip specialises in employment law representing both employers and employees. He is also Guardian Careers' employment law expert.
