Summary

A Day One right to ask for flexible working is a step in the right direction but does not go nearly far enough. We need progression of the Employment Bill with a legal obligation on employers to advertise jobs as flexible by default.

We propose the Flexible Working Taskforce develop job-sharing as a part of the flexible working menu in adapting to new ways of working after the pandemic. This would allow single parents to apply for a greater range of jobs at different levels of seniority and help to prevent occupational downgrading (getting a job below the job applicant’s skills and qualifications).