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Reacting to the publication today (Thursday 7 December) by government
of its Green Paper on work-life balance, Dr Ian Peters, Deputy
Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
"Firms recognise the benefits of family-friendly practices,
for employers and employees, but will object to any government
attempts to force them to do so in ways which undermine flexibility.
Business is still struggling to cope with the cumulative burden
of new employment regulations introduced since 1997.
"The government says this is a 'very green' Green Paper. We
expect the government to honour its commitment to an open consultation
and trust that it has not already made up its mind on the options
presented.
"While we will consult business fully on the various options
for change contained in the Green Paper, we believe that government
should be focusing first on the benefits to business of flexible
working and spreading best practice, rather than adding further
layers of regulation which divert firms from the process of
job and wealth creation."
Background Information:
The BCC Parental Leave Survey (1999), covering responses from
1,915 businesses of all sizes, reveals that 44% allow fathers
on average 5 days additional leave at the birth of their children.
Department of Social Security research (1996) shows that two-thirds
of women returning to work after childbirth agree with their
employers to do so on a part-time basis
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) represents, through a
quality assured, national network of Accredited Chambers of
Commerce, more than 135,000 businesses in all sectors of the
economy, and of all sizes. Accredited Chambers seek to represent
the interests and support the competitiveness and growth of
all businesses in their communities and regions.
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