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ACAS publishes new booklet on flexible working

ADVISORY, CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION SERVICE News Release issued by The Government News Network on 5 April 2007

Acas, Britain's leading employment relations service, has published a new booklet - Flexible working and work-life balance - to help employers and employees understand how flexible working can benefit their workplace.

There are around 1.6 million employees providing some kind of unpaid care. From tomorrow, 6 April, there is a new right to request flexible working for those who have caring responsibilities.

The new booklet, which can be viewed for free at http://www.acas.org.uk, guides employers and employees through a range of issues on flexible working and includes:

* a guide to all the major kinds of flexible working, from flexitime to shift-working, and part-time working to homeworking

* a step by step guide to developing a flexible working policy

* the latest legal changes brought in by the Work and Families Act

* a useful q & a section to address common concerns about flexible working.

Rita Donaghy, Acas Chair said:

'Flexible working really can add value to the workplace. Employees who work flexibly often have a greater sense of responsibility, ownership and control of their working life. It also makes good business sense. Customers often expect goods as and when they want them and flexible working can help meet these demands.'

'Our new booklet covers a wide range of issues relating to work-life balance. Employers and employees can visit our website - http://www.acas.org.uk - for more information on how Acas can help.'

Notes to editors

1. The statistic in this release is from the 2001 national census.

2. Acas will be running a series of special short sessions on flexible working during April and May in England. This will be in conjunction with Carers UK and Working Families. For further information visit http://www.acas.org.uk

3. The advisory booklet Flexible working and work-life balance can be ordered from Acas Publications by calling 08702 42 90 90 and costs £3.95 per copy.

4. Acas' aim is to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. It provides information, advice, training and a range of services working with employers and employees to prevent or resolve problems and improve performance. It is an independent statutory body governed by a Council consisting of the Acas Chair and employer, trade union and independent members.

Acas National
Brandon House, 180 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LW
http://www.acas.org.uk