Government department takes work-life balance initiative

One government department is putting into practice the government's commitment to flexible working. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is this month setting up a 12-month work-life balance pilot that would allow any member of staff to work flexible hours. The scheme is open to around 4,500 central DTI staff, but not its agencies.

The pilot came about as a result of pressure from the trade unions for more flexible working patterns, and has involved discussions with DTI secretary Patricia Hewitt.

Negotiator for the civil service union Prospect, John Higgins, said: "The presumption will be that members will be able to work flexible hours unless there are sound operational reasons for not doing so." He added: "We are delighted by this approach, which shows that unions and management can make partnership work."

Flexible working will be defined as any full or part-time working pattern that differs from the usual 9am to 5pm five-day week, and will be available to all grades and groups of staff. Managers will evaluate each request and should not refuse any reasonable request.

Hewitt is also encouraging other departments to introduce similar working practices and has written to Cabinet colleagues asking them to "share best practice in family-friendly working, and to create partnerships with their trade unions to tackle any long hours culture."