Creating a fairer Britain
Working Better aims to identify and promote innovative new ways of working which help meet the challenges of the 21st century.
In Summer 2008 the Commission launched 'Working Better', a new policy initiative to explore how we can match the aspirations of employees with the needs of employers. Continuing from the 'Transformation of Work' project undertaken by the former Equal Opportunities Commission, we have expanded the parameters of Working Better to include the needs of parents, carers, disabled people, young people and older workers.
Whether you are someone with caring responsibilities, a mother or a father who wants to be a more active parent, a disabled person who wants a fulfilling career, a younger worker who wants phased entry into work, or an older worker who wants to stay in the labour market longer - this is the big issue of our time.
As part of our consultation, we spoke to people at big and small businesses to find out how they balance work and personal lives. We talked to both employers and their staff about their personal experiences.
To mark the launch of our Working Better initiative, we partnered with Mumsnet.com and Dad Info two leading parenting websites, to launch their unique consultation, Home Front: What do mums and dads need to make life work?
Home Front will enable both fathers and mothers to tell the world how they organise work and caring - and what can be done to make life easier. The results will be presented to politicians and policy makers in the autumn.
We are currently at phase one of Working Better, concentrating on the working needs and well-being of parents and families. This Phase 1 Working Better report focuses on ways of improving choices for working parents.
Work is already underway on Phase 2 ‘Working Better for All’ with new research on disabled workers, carers and older workers to be completed during 2009.