Government indecision over implementation of changes to flexible working has left businesses in limbo Personnel Today has reported.

In May the Government accepted a review recommendation that flexible working should be extended to parents of children up to the age of 16 rather than only those with children under the age of six. Since then, however, new business secretary Peter Mandelson has said that implementation was being reconsidered in the light of the economic difficulties that businesses already faced.

The Government consultation on the new measures closes imminently, but Personnel Today reports that officials would still not confirm whether a decision would be made before Christmas.

“The Government needs to clarify whether it believes what it said when it accepted the paper in May,” says Mary Mercer of the Institute for Employment Studies. “Failing to do so would see a loss of confidence at a most inopportune time.”

"The proposed changes, if implemented in full, could have a significant impact on the resources of employers, particularly those of small companies," says Andrew Haywood of employment solicitors Dawsons LLP. "Whilst, in light of the current economic climate, a delay will come as a welcome relief to employers, clarity is still required. Employers should still use this opportunity to plan ahead and ensure they are fully equipped to deal with the proposed changes".

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