The arrogance of Apple

Can flexible working get the best out of what a ministerial press release calls ‘hardworking Brits’ – or is it a couch potato’s charter? As of 6 April, employees have had the right to ask for flexibility – including remote working and hours to suit – from their first day in a job; employers can reject unworkable requests, but are obliged to consider and consult.

If you’re an optimist, you’ll think workers whose family lives are accommodated by enlightened employers will be happier, more loyal and more productive: ‘5 a.m. will be the new 9 a.m.,’ declares the HR Director, for parents who choose to ‘tackle work before attending to childcare commitments’ then ‘wrap up earlier… prioritising family time’. If you’re a pessimist, you’ll harrumph at news of Office for National Statistics workers voting to strike after being asked to attend their workplace two days a week.

We can never measure the productivity fall or rise that follows from these changes in workers’ rights, which will be dwarfed by whatever a Labour government enacts.