Flexible working removes barriers for disabled people
Our Director of Policy Gemma Hope responds to the government proposal to give all employees the right to request flexible working from their first day at a job.
In response to the government proposing to give all employees the right to request flexible working when they start new jobs, our Director of Policy Gemma Hope said:
“Giving workers the right to flexible working from day one is a remarkable step forward for equal opportunities in the workplace. It is also a measure we have long called for, because flexible working removes many barriers for disabled people entering or staying in work.
“The last 18 months presented many employers with a once-in-a-generation challenge, but also a powerful lesson. We now know universal flexible working is possible and even beneficial to many employees. Our own surveys found in 2020 that 43% of disabled workers found home-working had benefitted them.
“The government talks about “Levelling Up”. Flexible working makes this a reality for many disabled employees, as a simple, progressive and highly effective adjustment.”
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For further information please contact Samuel Buckley on Samuel.Buckley@leonardcheshire.org.