Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Flexible Working 2023-12-18

2023-12-18

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TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Tim Loughton
▸ Context
Inquires about the role of flexible working in supporting people to enter and maintain employment.
Whether he has made an assessment of the role of flexible working arrangements in supporting people to take up employment. I am concerned about how flexible working can support individuals in securing and sustaining employment, particularly for those with caring responsibilities.
Jo Churchill
Flexible working can play an important role in supporting people to start, stay in and succeed in work, and for businesses to grow. I have already seen at first hand examples of good employers offering tailored roles or changed hours to support workers, particularly parents, who have caring responsibilities.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask regarding a detailed assessment was not addressed with concrete evidence or data.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Tim Loughton
▸ Context
The hospital industry, especially in coastal constituencies like the questioner's, is facing high vacancy levels exacerbated by COVID-19 and changing work patterns. The MP asks what more can be done to encourage smarter working and job sharing.
As mentioned, the hospitality industry—especially in coastal constituencies—is suffering disproportionately from high vacancy rates due to covid and shifting work patterns. What additional measures will the Government take to promote flexible working and job sharing? For instance, younger people could take later or weekend shifts while parents with family responsibilities would work regular daytime hours.
Jo Churchill
The UK hospitality industry does a fantastic job, particularly at this time of the year when it is helping us to enjoy the festive season. I am providing support by delivering pilot schemes across the industry. We are developing a more standardised approach to training and proposing a hospitality skills passport. I am interested in my hon Friend's idea for employers to refocus on where needs are, and will be happy to work with him.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about younger people working later hours was not directly addressed with concrete measures or timelines.
Response accuracy