Employers warned over flexible working

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged employers to prepare for the impending extension of flexible working rights, but suggested the changes could provide opportunities for growth.

In a recent interview with the Scunthorpe Telegraph, FSB North Lincolnshire and West Lindsay chairman Neil Poole claimed many small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are already used to having to juggle resources.

“Working long hours is par for the course for many self-employed people and small businesses,” he told the newspaper. “One of the challenges to both employers and employees … will be in developing flexible working arrangements.”

Mr Poole added that the “variety” in day-to-day duties is one of the key reasons why so many people are driven to start up their own SMEs, but stressed the importance of generating new jobs and developing young talent.

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Last week, Forum of Private Business chief executive Phil Orford admitted that the outlook for 2011 is “challenging” and claimed recruitment could be a real problem for UK companies this year.

Posted by Cameron Thomson