§ Michael FabricantTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what work the Government has undertaken(a) with the Confederation of British Industry and (b) in the EU to ensure that workers in the UK have flexible working hours; and if she will make a statement. [156177]
§ Mr. SutcliffeThe Work and Parents Taskforce, established by the Government in 2001, was responsible for the design of the flexible working law aimed at encouraging the take-up of flexible working patterns in the workplace. John Cridland, Deputy Director-General of the CBI, was a member of the 10 person taskforce.
To maintain flexible labour markets we are currently considering our response to the European Commission's Communication on working time so as to ensure that key decision makers in the EU understand the benefits of our approach, which provides protection to workers who do not wish to work long hours without restricting those who wish make a different choice.
The Government's Work-Life balance campaign also encourages employers to adopt best practice and provide flexible working practices right across the workforce.