New report from Timewise finds widening gap in UK workforce

A new report from the social enterprise Timewise says there is a widening gap in the UK workforce when it comes to having autonomy over working hours, between people working in frontline roles such as nurses, cleaners and bus drivers and office based staff. 

A year long programme of research carried out by Timewise with employers, sector bodies and unions from construction, retail, transport, health and care sectors finds that new legislation set out in the Government’s Employment Rights Bill could help close the gap if further action is taken to support the implementation of the Bill.

Timewise is calling for the UK government to take action to support employers to implement the legislation.

Commenting on the report Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said:  
“The NHS recognises that more secure and flexible work is crucial to attracting, retaining and developing the workforce we need to offer a world-class service that delivers for patients and staff alike. The NHS already provides extensive employment rights from day one, and NHS Trusts are leading innovative practice to make work more flexible and predictable for frontline staff.  The government’s ambitious 10-year plan for health also provides real opportunities to respond to this important work by Timewise.

“To put the NHS workforce on a more sustainable footing we know there is a lot more to do. The findings of the ‘Ending the Two-Tier Workforce’ report highlights the barriers that frontline workers such as nurses face when it comes to their working patterns and work life balance. It is vital that we heed the recommendations of this report,  go further to identify solutions for each profession and role and invest in the right technologies to support this. As the largest employer in the country, we must go further to ensure that more of our people can exercise choice and control over their working lives.

“It is also important to recognise that the context for our colleagues in social care is more challenging. The government’s commitment to fair pay and the work being undertaken by Baroness Casey offers some opportunities to support the response to the issues set out by Timewise.”

Access the Timewise report and find more information to support your staff by offering flexible working and flexible retirement options.