UK working laws changed on 30th June 2014, giving all UK employees* the legal right to request flexible working. But new research (YouGov study on behalf of Citrix) amongst British SMBs reveals that as at June 2014:
- Only half (55%) of SMB decision makers are aware of the new legislation
- Almost half (46%) of SMBs have no flexible working policy in place
- Only 43% of SMB decision makers support the legislation, 21% believe it will negatively impact their business
- Trust and perceived impact on culture are the main barriers to change, not technology
- There are significant generational differences in attitude as SMB bosses 25 to 34 are twice as likely to support the legislation as those over 55
See this useful infographic for more information (click to enlarge) :-
For more info/tips on flexible working visit blog.gotomeeting.co.uk and see these 6 Tips for Successfully Working from Anywhere and for more info on employment law regarding flexible working see acas here.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 713 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 27th – 29th May 2014. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB business size.
* Employees must have 26 weeks continuous employment at the same business at the date the application is made.
** New legislation gives employees the right to ask for flexible working, not the right to have it
