Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Flexible Working

Monday 18 December 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Flexible working can support individuals in securing and sustaining employment, especially for those with caring responsibilities.
  • The hospitality industry is facing high vacancy rates due to the effects of covid and changing work patterns.
  • The Government is delivering pilot schemes and developing a standardised approach to training to support the hospitality industry.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Tim Loughton Con
Employment
Context

Inquires about the role of flexible working in supporting people to enter and maintain employment.

Question

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.

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask regarding a detailed assessment was not addressed with concrete evidence or data.

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Q2 Tim Loughton Con
Employment Business & Trade
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.

Question

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.

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about younger people working later hours was not directly addressed with concrete measures or timelines.

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