Young Women’s Trust is calling on MPs to back a Bill in parliament today that would make all jobs flexible by default, which would help parents to balance work and childcare.
Helen Whately MP, Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party, is putting forward the Bill proposing that all jobs be advertised as flexible unless the employer can justify why the job cannot be done flexibly.
Young Women’s Trust is part of the ‘Flex for All’ coalition of charities backing the change that includes Pregnant Then Screwed and the Fawcett Society. Research shows that the lack of upfront flexibility locks people out of the workplace and traps others in part-time work that is often low paid, undervalued and below their skill level. Nine in 10 people say they want to work flexibly but just 1 in 10 jobs are currently advertised as flexible.
The charities, MPs and campaigners will be gathering outside parliament at 12.30pm to show support for the Bill and encourage more MPs to vote for it.
Joe Levenson, Director of Communications and Campaigns at Young Women’s Trust said:
“A lack of flexible working options are holding many young women back from working or progressing at work. That’s why we want to employers to publish flexible working options in job adverts and for the right to request flexible working to be available for everyone from day one. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunities do not – which is why greater flexible working will benefit employers as well as employees.”
The Bill is due to be read in parliament at 2.30pm. The Bill is also being supported by Victoria Prentis MP, Rachel Maclean MP and Tracey Crouch MP.
