Red tape is preventing employers from benefiting from flexible working which would in turn drive future economic growth, according to Alistair Cox, chief executive of international recruiter Hays.

The CBI, along with Hays, has launched its digital report ‘Thinking Positive: the 21st century employment relationship’, which explores how the employment relationship has changed to become even more flexible.

Cox says: “Flexibility is a key ingredient in driving future economic growth in the UK. It is also a key aspect that more and more professionals look for in their lives and careers, particularly at a time when we want to encourage employers to invest and create more jobs, despite today’s economic uncertainty.

“Endless red tape and legislation prevents employers and employees from being able to capitalise on the vast number of benefits that flexible working offers. It is time these constraints are removed so that we can get more people into worthwhile work.”

CBI director-general John Cridland adds: “Traditionally, when making employment law, governments have tried to specify every last detail of what should go on in the workplace.

“The government should adopt a simpler approach to future employment law, one which maximises choice for employers and staff and plays up the strengths of our flexible labour market.”