The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has welcomed a report from the Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC) which reveals that half of the working population want to work more flexibly.

The EOC report, Working outside the box, reveals that 6.5 million people in Britain could be using their skills more fully if more flexible working was available. It warns that rigid working practices are driving highly qualified workers into jobs below their skill level in order that they can achieve a work – life balance. Tom Hadley, the REC’s director of external relations, says: “Evidence suggests that a large number of employers are recognising the business benefits of flexible working which is a positive step forward.

“However, it is important to understand the challenge that providing this kind of flexibility creates for smaller employers. The availability of the large pool of highly skilled temporary workers in the UK is one way that both large and small employers across the UK can address resourcing needs at short notice and in turn ensure that the work/life balance priorities of permanent employees are met”.

One of the key themes in the report is how increased flexibility can encourage more skilled workers back into the labour market. This is essential at a time when staff shortages continue to bite.