UNISON opinion: Let ’ s talk about flex

By UNISON acting head of health and chair of the NHS Staff Council, Helga Pile The right to request flexible working from day one of employment. Every request considered fairly – whatever the role, whatever the reason. These were the rights secured by the NHS Staff Council back in 2021 for everyone employed by the NHS. There was huge willingness around the table to get them in place, because unions, employers and members all know what a positive difference flexible working can make. From April, even more people will benefit as the Flexible Working Act takes effect. So far, so good. But despite all the goodwill and evidence, we’re not making as much use of flex as we could or should be. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the health service is under unprecedented pressure. Workloads are high. Resource is low. Members tell us they are stressed, they have no work-life balance, and their wellbeing is suffering. The story is backed up by the data, with over 120,000 vacancies across the health service and people leaving in their thousands due to a lack of work-life balance. So while we need to continue banging the drum for better investment in the NHS, it’s important that we think about how we can improve the situation in the here and now. Thinking more creatively If we can build on the examples and creative thinking that are already out there, flexible working has the potential to be a game-changer for the NHS. Employers who have been able to break...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article Blogs health Helga Pile NHS flexible working Source Type: news