TUC: End long hours obsession
The TUC has attacked the current trend for long working hours, describing them as a “demon” for UK families.
The organisation accused the long hours culture of ruining personal lives and increasing the problem of the gender pay gap.
It calls upon the Government to support suggestions for more flexible hours for all employees, not just those with young children.
The union’s “fairness and flexibility” submission argues that implementing a better work-life balance should be one of the Government’s long-term aims.
‘The business benefits of flexible working are there for all to see,” TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said.
“Apart from the obvious impact on the individual parent, who feels less stressed and more in control of their lives, more motivated employees are also more productive ones.”
The TUC believes that ending the UK opt-out to the 48-hour week is central to giving parents more choice, as currently women struggle with childcare while their partners work the longest hours in Europe.
“A better work-life balance where men and women could spend more time with their families and be less stressed at work would be in everyone’s interest,” concluded Mr Barber.
The Government has consistently said that the opt-out is essential for business flexibility.
It points to plans to extend maternity and paternity leave as well as giving parents the right to request flexible working as evidence it is taking work-life balance issues seriously.
