It is disappointing to see that the government is still stuck in an outdated view of flexible working as a concession to parents, rather than an opportunity for business.

The right to request flexible working for parents of children under six has been an unqualified success. Despite the concerns expressed by business when this measure was first proposed, 49% of employers believe flexible working has actively increased productivity in their business.

Far from creating an unmanageable burden for employers, the extension of flexible working would facilitate the kind of workplace transformation which will benefit both businesses and employees.

Piecemeal extensions of the right to request to different groups will create an unnecessary burden of red tape for businesses and government, and lead to unhelpful divisions within the workplace.

Employees across the UK have clear aspirations to work in jobs which enable them to combine work and family life. It is time for the government to acknowledge the weight of public opinion in favour of flexible working by showing leadership on this agenda.

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