Working together to protect jobs, businesses

Jun 23 2009 by Sarah Green, The Journal

A CBI/Harvey Nash survey released today demonstrates how the UK workplace landscape has changed dramatically during the recession, as employers and staff work together to protect businesses and jobs, by increasing flexible working and freezing pay and recruitment.

The survey of key workplace trends showed almost two thirds of employers have made or are considering making significant changes to the way they organise their workforce and working patterns.

Business has been utilising more flexible working hours, extended shut-downs, extra holiday and cuts in paid overtime, as the recession has deepened and firms have become determined to cut costs.

The recession has been particularly bruising, but one of its most positive and striking aspects has been the commitment of many businesses and their staff to work together to try to trim costs and save jobs.

The UK’s flexible labour market has proved a huge asset during these testing times, and flexible working changes have enabled employers and staff to create leeway on working hours.

The recession has led to fundamental changes in the way employers recruit, motivate and develop employees, and UK plc must act fast to keep highly skilled talent in the UK labour market.

Otherwise, we run the risk of conceding out competitive edge to other countries. We have a wealth of knowledge, experience and skills in the UK that must be nurtured and developed, even in troubled times, for the future of the British economy.

Employers and their staff are doing whatever they can to keep businesses and jobs going, but the Government can help by improving the availability of credit for investment. Firms are also concerned by the prospect of extra employment regulation at this difficult time. The government should wait for the upturn before increasing the load on businesses.

Sarah Green is regional director of CBI North East