Britain’s Armed Forces look to embrace flexible working

Ten2Two has always championed flexible working – it’s what we do! In our recent Flexible Working Report we highlighted the fact that a massive 83% of employers we asked agreed that flexible working has benefited their business, while 56% of all businesses asked felt it had strongly benefited their company.  That’s impressive. One employer said, “When employing working mums, they are often highly qualified, so you get a much higher calibre of candidate by allowing them to work in school hours.”

The flexible working movement continues to gain momentum in this country, with businesses like the Virgin Group embracing flexible hours. Increased productivity and profits, and retention of valued employees are just some of the benefits.

Now this method of employment is being embraced by the Armed Forces. Last week the Defence Secretary said proposed legislation to make military life more flexible will make it significantly easier for women with children. The Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Bill passed Second Reading on Monday 30 October2017, and MPs will next consider the Bill in a Public Bill Committee.

Flexible working aims to allow Armed Forces personnel to work part-time for short periods and let personnel limit the time they need to spend away from their home base and their families.

The Defence Secretary said flexible working was “essential to a modern military”.

Sir Michael Fallon said, “Keeping Britain safe means investing in our personnel as well as in new equipment. More flexible working is essential to a modern military, allowing us to recruit the best talent and retain those already serving, while always being ready to deploy as commanders require.

“The military must offer conditions of service that keep up with those available in other lines of work, This change significantly make it easier for women and children.”