Politics
NHS must end postcode lottery on flexible working
NHS leaders must make flexible working the norm to deliver better patient care and help resolve the staffing crisis, say unions.
A coalition of 18 unions representing every part of the NHS workforce has launched a new initiative to promote more choice for staff over how, when and where they work.
The Get Ahead on Flex pledge aims to get employers to speed up their progress on working arrangements that allow more freedom. This can include team-rostering and ‘any-hours’ contracts, offering staff the hours they want to work from the outset.
Flexible working in every job
Those who sign up will commit to highlighting flexible working in every job advert. They’ll set targets to increase the number of approved requests, publish data (such as the number of requests staff make) and train all managers on how to champion choice for workers.
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and Milton Keynes University Hospital have already signed up to the pledge. It’s also got backing from equality campaigners including Kate Jarman, who champions flexible working the NHS, and Professor Alison Leary from London South Bank University.
At present, all NHS workers have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment and to make unlimited requests without providing a reason.
However, health unions say all 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.
Some staff are having to accept less favourable contracts – or bank shifts, which are lower paid – in return for gaining flexible working. Employers often reject applications from workers who want to determine their own schedule and instead insist they must fit in with rigid shift patterns.
One health worker, who cares for her mother, said:
I applied for flexible working twice, but it was declined both times. I used all my annual leave to have weekends off [to care for her mother]. It meant I had no holidays or time away for me for several years until we got a different manager.
Raising standards
The health unions say flexible working should become the standard, to help attract and retain experienced staff. Tens of thousands of workers have already left the health service due to poor work-life balance, according to data.
Get Ahead on Flex is also aiming to ensure managers know how to handle requests in a way that benefits individual staff. The campaign encourages them to take the initiative to redesign jobs and services to better meet the needs of staff and patients.
The benefits of flexible working, such as increased performance and higher quality care for patients, are well-understood at the policy level. But the unions say financial and other pressures on the health service get in the way of real change.
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, say the unions.
And in 2027, tougher statutory requirements on flexible working are due to come into force for all employers.
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.
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.
Featured image via the Canary