It’s time to end the postcode lottery on flexible working

The joint NHS unions issued a call to employers today to make flexible working the norm to deliver better patient care and help resolve the staffing crisis.

Launching today, the Get Ahead on Flex pledge is aimed at getting employers to speed up their progress on giving every NHS employee a positive, consistent experience of flexible working.

Employers who sign up will commit to highlighting flexible working in every job advert, setting targets to increase the number of requests approved, publish data (such as the number of requests staff make) and train all managers on how to champion choice for workers.

Although all NHS workers have the right to request flexible working, too often accessing the flexibility they need is a struggle for staff, including those with childcare and other family commitments. The inconsistent approach by employers has created a postcode lottery across the NHS.

Chair of the NHS unions and UNISON head of health Helga Pile said: “Too many NHS staff are struggling to balance work with other parts of their life including caring commitments. This affects their health and well-being, and forces many to consider jobs elsewhere.

“The NHS has long talked about the importance of improving flexible working options. However, old-fashioned attitudes and rigid one-size-fits all shift patterns are still getting in the way.

“This pledge provides a real opportunity to improve working life for staff and give patients a better service.”

Get Ahead of new flexible working standards

In England, a new standard on flexible working is expected to be introduced for NHS employers in April as part of the government’s 10-year workforce plan.

Trusts who sign up and meet the commitments of the Get Ahead on Flex pledge will already have a head start on implementing the new standards.

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and Milton Keynes University Hospital have already signed up to the pledge. It is also backed by equality campaigners including Kate Jarman, who champions flexible working the NHS, and Professor Alison Leary from London South Bank University.

Campaign lead for the NHS unions on flexible working and Society of Radiographers head of industrial relations Leandre Archer said: “Flexible working shouldn’t depend on which employer you work for or who your manager happens to be.

“NHS staff deserve fair, consistent access to flexibility so they can deliver the best possible care without sacrificing their own wellbeing.

“The Get Ahead on Flex pledge is a vital step towards ending the postcode lottery and making flexible working a genuine reality across the NHS.”

To find out more about the pledge, including how you can sign up as an employer, visit the Get Ahead on Flex pages.