Flexible working saves money - official

Minister for employment Margaret Hodge has welcomed the findings of an Institute of Employment Studies report confirming that companies can save thousands of pounds by adopting 'family-friendly' work policies.

"Every single business in the study reported strong business benefits from offering flexible working arrangements which recognise that employees have a life and responsibilities outside the world of work," the minister said.

Questioning companies with up to about 600 employees, the IES found a series of benefits, repeated over and over at those which had introduced new working practices. In Margaret Hodges's words: "The result is literally money in the bank for businesses: reduced casual absence, better staff retention, easier recruitment and improvements in morale, commitment and productivity."

The minister is spearheading the government's campaign to encourage employers and employees to find the optimum balance between work and home life.

Elliott Chase