A shift towards more people working from home could lead to “a new class divide,” the TUC warned.
The union’s coordination group said those who were able to work from home during the pandemic may find it easier to achieve more flexible work in the future, while others have fewer options.
A new report from the TUC argues that employers should offer a range of different types of flexibility, not just working from home.
He cites work-sharing agreements, flexible hours, fixed-term only hours, annualized or compressed hours, all of which allow people to adjust to other commitments such as childcare around their own. job.
The TUC said many more workers should have the right to set hours, to allow them to manage their other commitments, rather than having to make different arrangements each week when shifts are announced.
Figures released by the TUC to mark Work from Home Day on Friday indicate that permanent home work may have doubled from 6.7% in 2019 to 12.2% in 2020.
TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “It is likely that many workers will want to spend more time working from home than before, and it is essential that employers have positive and constructive discussions with the employer. staff and unions on how to do this job.
“A single focus on work from home rights would create new inequalities for those who cannot easily work from home.
“All workers need enhanced rights to the full range of flexible work options such as flexible hours, predictable shifts and job sharing.
“The Prime Minister’s failure to include an employment bill in his legislative program is a colossal failure to meet the needs of workers. He must immediately assert new rights to flexible work.”
Ms O’Grady urged companies to consult workers on a broader return to work expected after June 21, when the final phase of ending the lockdown goes into effect.
Phil Flaxton, Managing Director of Work Wise UK, which hosts Work From Home Day, said: “As the UK emerges from isolation the way we work can change. Shall we end presenteeism? , reduce travel, use designated workspaces in homes or create hybrids? working in the workplace and at home is the norm?
“The National Homework Day gives employers the opportunity to start discussions with their staff about future working methods.
“Workers need a say in what works for them and what doesn’t. If their needs are met, it could really contribute to healthy changes that benefit the entire workforce ”.
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.independent.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-05-14 01:18:36
