Recommendation 9

Many people are not able to work full-time, and a lack of suitable, flexible work is barring people from engaging with the labour market. This is particularly evident for people who have additional needs or responsibilities which make more traditional working patterns challenging. DWP should produce a hiring guide within the next six months which encourages employers to create opportunities for flexible working where possible, including hybrid working, job sharing, flexible hours and part-time roles. This guidance should highlight the benefits to both employers and employees and promote a change in employer attitudes towards offering greater flexibility to staff. The success of these initiatives will partly depend upon the impact that they have on productivity.