Jenny Watson, Chair of the EOC said...

Half of the working population, 52% of men and 48% of women, say they want to work more flexibly according to a new report out today from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

The EOC's new report "Working outside the box" has uncovered a massive waste of talent across the workforce. 6.5 million people in Britain today could be using their skills more fully if more flexible working was available.

Outdated workplace cultures are further damaging the economy by increasing pressure on an over-stretched transport system. Overcrowded rush-hour trains and motorways are causing misery for commuters and wasting time for employers.

The struggle to find a job that is compatible with life is leading to increasing pressure for a 'new deal' at work ¡V increasingly, people want greater control over the hours and location of work, provided outputs are delivered.

In order for everyone to benefit from a 'new deal' at work, the EOC want to see a fresh approach, with more employers learning from the best:

Employers opening up a conversation with their staff about how they would like to work as well as telling them about what is currently on offer, and training their managers in delivering it.

Flexibility put at the heart of the Government's strategy to improve productivity and increase people's use of their skills. For example, adult careers advice and Jobcentre Plus could do more to match people with flexible working.

To help everyone have the confidence to engage in that conversation, an extension of the current statutory right to request flexible working to everyone.

Jenny Watson, Chair of the EOC said:

"Work just isn't working for many people any longer. Far too many people burn out, trade down or drop out altogether.

Millions of people are working below their skill level in order to have a life outside the office. Failing to rethink the way we've traditionally organised work is a chronic waste of talent and investment in education, at a time when Britain needs to invest heavily in skills to maintain its competitiveness globally.

'Working outside the box' is the Interim Report for the EOC's investigation into transforming the workplace and will be launched today at the Institute of Directors.

Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors said:

Moving to new models of work, including flexible hours and home working, helps provide answers to all these issues. I am pleased to say that IoD members have demonstrated that they are well ahead of British employers as a whole in adopting new practices. In 2004 74% of members (against a national figure of 15%) permitted staff to work at home, and 75% had flexible working hours. A large majority also see a range of business benefits when they adopt these policies.

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