Changing Times News * Number 94 * 22 April 2008
Changing Times News is the TUC's fortnightly online bulletin on work-life balance issues. Visit the website at http://www.tuc.org.uk/changingtimes
Edited by Rory O'Neill of Hazards magazine. Comments to Jo Morris. To unsubscribe or subscribe to this bulletin, click here. Past issues are available
CONTENTS
Union news: Apprenticeships still have jobs for the boys * Glass ceiling breached in councils * UNISON call for end to pay inequality * Talks bring hours and pay victory
Other news: Rise of the virtual worker * Campaign warns of sexism in the City * Push for flexi-approach to retirement * Report critical of firms on flexibility * Bosses 'weigh up' pregnancy risk * News in brief
Resources: TUC protect yourself at work guide * The business case for equal opportunities * Life of women and men in Europe * Worklife balance attitudes in Britain
International news: Australia: Unions welcome new employment plans * Brazil: Union action for shorter hours * Global: Winning work-life balance helps women * Global round-up
UNION NEWS
Apprenticeships still have jobs for the boys
Female apprentices are being left far behind their male counterparts, reveals new research from the TUC. Its report, 'Still more (better paid) jobs for the boys', shows that while more apprenticeship places have opened up for women in general, this has not happened in better paid male-dominated sectors such as engineering and construction. It adds that little has changed - and in some cases the situation has worsened - in the three years since the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) completed a report on the same issue. The proportion of men and women entering into apprenticeships overall are fairly even - 54.2 per cent of people starting apprenticeships in 2006/07 were men, and 45.8 per cent were women - but apprenticeships are still strongly divided along gender lines. In 2006/07, the worst industry culprits were construction with only 1.3 per cent women apprentices, vehicle maintenance (1.4 per cent) and engineering (2.5 per cent). During the same period, 97.1 per cent of apprentices in childcare were female and 91.7 per cent of hairdressing apprenticeships were women, the two lowest paying sectors. TUC deputy general secretary Frances O'Grady said: 'Apprenticeships are an excellent route into work and we want to see more and more employers offering high quality places. But this report shows there is still a huge gender divide in apprenticeships. Too many young women are being limited to apprenticeships in low-paid traditionally female occupations like childcare and hairdressing, and are unable to break into better paid male occupations like engineering.'
TUC news release and report, Still more (better paid) jobs for the boys [pdf]. UNISON news release.
Learning and Skills Council Apprenticeships website.
Glass ceiling breached in councils
Local authority sector, unionised workplaces are leading the way on pay equality, according to research by the GMB. The union's analysis found in 22 of 149 councils in England, women out-numbered men among the top earners. GMB says this is up from 16 councils 12 months ago. The picture is not so rosy in Scotland. Only Stirling out of 31 Scottish councils has more women then men in the top 5 per cent of earners, the next best performer Aberdeen, with 47 per cent of the best paid jobs occupied by women. Thurrock council tops the list of councils breaking the glass ceiling, with women making up 58.6 per cent of the top 5 per cent earners, followed by Lewisham (56.3 per cent) and Rochdale (56.1 per cent). Women were not far from smashing the glass ceiling in 33 other English councils, says GMB, this number of councils with 47 per cent or more of the best paid jobs occupied by women. The Corporation of London and Wandsworth council come bottom of the list, with only 22.9 per cent of the top earners women. GMB equality officer Kamaljeet Jandu commented: 'Women in local government have started to break through the glass ceiling into the top jobs. It is no accident that this has happened where trade union organisation is strong and fights for equal opportunities.' He added: 'Other institutions and employers, particularly those in the private sector, are missing out on women's wealth of talent. It is high time that they got their act together and begin to promote the talented women in the workforce.'
GMB news release and full analysis [pdf].
UNISON call for end to pay inequality
UNISON is urging the government to call time on pay discrimination after new research has revealed women in their 40s earn 20 per cent less than men. The latest analysis of the gender pay gap from the Office for National Statistics shows that pay differences peak for full-time women workers aged between 40 and 49. Their pay gap of 20.3 per cent compared with one of just 1 per cent for women in their 20s. Researchers found that men and women earn a similar amount when they first start work, at 18 to 21 years old, but a gender pay gap starts appearing after about 10 years - and gets wider still as women get older. The new analysis combines the government's labour force survey and annual survey of hours and earnings to create a more comprehensive picture of pay by using data from households and employers' pay records. Sharon Greene, UNISON's women's officer, commented: 'It is very depressing to find that the gender pay gap gets worse with age, and how demoralising for young women starting out in the job market to know that they face a downward spiral of unequal pay. Employers should not be allowed to get away with this type of unlawful discrimination and the government should take action to make sure that they don't.' The gender pay gap increased with the number of children in a family. The findings come after a study by the TUC suggested the pay gap may be even wider, with the 'motherhood penalty' making women in their 40s 22.8 per cent worse off than men (CTN93).
ONS report [pdf]. UNISON news release. The Guardian. Personnel Today.
Talks bring hours and pay victory
UNISON members at a London hospital have won vital protections to their pay, conditions and life outside work. Theatre nurses and technicians at St George's were faced with pay cuts and more unsociable hours under plans to boost the number of operations carried out at the hospital. However, following urgent talks with management and a March mass meeting supported by local MP Sadiq Khan, UNISON negotiators won assurances staff pay and conditions will not be eroded. 'This is a group of highly dedicated hospital staff,' said UNISON regional organiser Michael Walker. 'They recognise that theatres need to be fully utilised and are willing to be flexible. However, they are not willing to do this at excessive cost to their family life or their pay.' Staff agreed that while surgical hours need to increase to make better use of the theatres, they must be involved in developing the new work schedules. An implementation group will now be set up so UNISON and management can work together to address staff concerns. Branch secretary Geoff Thorne said he believed the union had made 'substantial headway' on a wide range of issues. 'This agreement hopefully sets a framework for moving forward which increases theatre productivity while protecting our members' pay, conditions and home life,' he said.
OTHER NEWS
Rise of the virtual worker
Within a decade millions of workers will be at home juggling their careers with caring for children and older relatives, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has forecast. Futurologists are predicting there will be less talk about 'work-life balance' and more about 'work-life integration.' CMI's report on the nature of employment in 2018 predicts an exodus from the traditional workplace caused partly by environmental pressure to reduce the carbon footprint of commuting and partly by the demographic pressure of an ageing population, with fewer employees able to avoid looking after older relatives, leading to a blurring of boundaries between family and career. The report said would be a proliferation of 'virtual' companies, often small community-based enterprises without conventional business premises. The institute put the report's findings to more than 1,000 senior executives. It found 74 per cent expected 'virtual teams of employees', working at a distance from each other, to become the norm by 2018. CMI chief executive Mary Chapman commented: 'Looking ahead ten years, it is clear that the successful organisations will be those who can do more than embrace change - they will anticipate, identify and drive it. Of course we cannot determine the future, but that does not mean we shouldn't forecast and prepare for it to ensure that organisations and teams are effective, capable and competitive.' Looking at the 'private needs of people' the study concluded changing demographics will compel organisations to offer more tailored lifestyle benefits to employees. CMI's Mary Chapman said: 'A greater degree of emotional intelligence will be required by managers and leaders so they can understand how people work and their likely reaction to change. They will also need to shift from today's input-driven approach to a focus on output, achievement and a better integration between work and personal lives.'
CMI news release and full report, Management futures [pdf]. Guardian and related audio report.
Campaign warns of sexism in the City
Sexism is rife in the London's finance sector and tough action is required to stamp out discrimination against women, the Fawcett Society has warned. The organisation has launched a 'Sexism and the City' campaign calling for tough action to stamp out the problem in UK workplaces. It says it is joining the dots between women's experiences in the workplace and a wider culture in which women are subject to sexist stereotypes and are increasingly sexually objectified. Among the problems identified by the society is a lap dance culture in the City, with corporate clients taken routinely to strip bars. This makes life extremely difficult for women, it said. Dr Katherine Rake, director of the Fawcett Society, said: 'Behind the conspicuous wealth of the City lies a hidden story of disadvantage and discrimination affecting women at every level of business - from the bathroom to the boardroom. For the first time Fawcett is exposing the links between these experiences. That link is sexism.' She added: 'Women have the right to dignity and respect in their workplaces and in their daily lives. It is time for women and men to stand up against the sexist culture of objectifying women that has gripped our society. The Sexism and the City campaign is calling upon government, businesses and individual employees to take urgent action. Everyone pays the price for sexism, so everyone has a role to play in stamping it out.'
Fawcett Society news release and Sexism and the City campaign manifesto [pdf]. The Guardian. The Observer. Personnel Today.
Push for flexi-approach to retirement
The traditional sudden stop retirement approach no longer works for many people, according to a new study. Research by Ipsos MORI found people approaching retirement admitted there's lots they would miss about their jobs. Topping their miss list are work friends, being challenged, office banter and a reason to get out of the house. Over 1,000 people over 55 were interviewed to find out their views on retirement and work. Soon to be retirees said extra cash was a top motivator for continuing to work, followed closely by over half who said they enjoy their jobs. Pensions minister Mike O'Brien said: 'The idea that one day you work and the next you stop can be a shock to the system. These findings challenge the traditional 'one size fits all' approach to retirement. Many of today's older workers are rejecting the cliff edge between work and retirement in favour of a gradual step down. And employers should help them to do this.' Over one million Brits are already working past state pension age and most of these have chosen to work part-time, says the government. With people living longer, healthier lives this trend looks set to continue. Mike O'Brien said other changes were afoot, including the start of a gradual rise in the women's pension age from 60 to 65 from 6 April 2010. He said: 'Women's state pension age is moving but you don't have to retire at this date. You have time to plan and you may be surprised by the choices you have. You could use your state pension to allow you to work part-time or choose to put off taking it and get extra pension later or a lump sum. To get the facts, put your birthday into the Pension Service website and it'll tell you when you can get your state pension.'
DWP news release and Pension Service calculator. CIPD news release.
Report critical of firms on flexibility
A work-life balance advocacy group has said flexible working legislation has not worked for many workers since its introduction five years ago. The study of more than 5,000 calls to the helpline at charity Working Families concluded large numbers of employers had either ignored staff requests to work flexibly or had given unacceptable reasons for turning them down. Examples of reasons given for declining a flexible working request included 'the job needs a dedicated full-time person', 'it would set a precedent' and 'the job can't be part-time so you'll have to resign.' The Working Families report was criticised by employers' organisation CBI. Head of employment and employee relations Katja Hall told Personnel Today: 'The report is a one-sided view of how the legislation is working - it has been extremely successful. Some jobs simply cannot be done on a part-time basis and so refusing the request could be for a valid reason.' The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), TUC and Working Families have all called on the government to extend the right to request to all workers, not just those with children.
Personnel Today. Working Families website, including link to the helpline report.
Bosses 'weigh up' pregnancy risk
More than half of UK bosses assess the chances of a member of staff falling pregnant before employing them, a survey suggests. And 76 per cent of managers admitted that they would not hire a new recruit if they knew they were going to fall pregnant within six months of starting the job. Employment Law Advisory Services (ELAS) said discrimination was prevalent, despite legislation to outlaw it. There had been a rise in cases over pregnancy and new starters, ELAS added. About 52 per cent of those surveyed said that they considered the chances of a candidate getting pregnant, taking into account age and whether they have just got married. Legally, a direct question to a potential employee cannot be asked. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: 'This research paints a shocking picture of life for working women in the 21st century, where far too many bosses still see pregnant women as an inconvenience to be dispensed with at the earliest opportunity.' He said the survey showed nothing had changed since an Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) investigation in 2005, which found that pregnant women were discriminated against at the point of recruitment, while at work, on maternity leave and when they returned to work after having children. 'Unions must keep on exposing employers whose employment practices are stuck in a time warp and who continue to discriminate against mothers-to-be,' he said. 'By discriminating like this employers are not only breaking the law but also disadvantaging themselves by excluding many talented workers.'
TUC news release. BBC News Online.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Walsh review: The government is set to publish its review into flexible working, led by Sainsbury's human resources director Imelda Walsh, within the next few weeks. The review will make recommendations on the extension of the right to request flexible working to parents of older children and how the government should manage its introduction. Personnel Today.
Paid mums: Mothers should be paid to stay at home if they want to when their children are young, according to a report launched on 21 April by Maria Miller, the Conservatives shadow minister for the family. State help for families has been channelled under Labour into tax credits to pay for nurseries and childminders but what most mothers want is to work part-time or not at all, particularly when their children are under five, argues the controversial review from the think-tank Policy Exchange. The Observer. Little Britons: Financing childcare choice, Policy Exchange.
Give credit: Retail union Usdaw has welcomed Alistair Darling's budget announcement of a rise in tax credits, a move the union says will benefit shopworkers and other low-paid staff who do not have children. General secretary John Hannett said: 'We are pleased that the government has now extended the tax credit to include more low-paid workers and increased the amount they will receive, so that they will be able to enjoy a better standard of living.' Usdaw news release.
Harassment law: Employers are now duty-bound to protect their staff from sexual harassment by customers, suppliers and others they encounter in the course of their work. Workers are already protected from harassment by colleagues, but under rules that came into force on 6 April, they can seek damages from employers who fail to take reasonable steps to protect them from harassment by a third party, if bosses knew that at least two incidents had already taken place. The Guardian.
Equalities movement: The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published its first single equality scheme. The scheme lays out the practical steps the Commission will take to promote equality and human rights in everything it does, and will be the starting point for its three-year scheme which will be developed during 2008/9. EHRC news release and Equality Scheme.
EqualitiesTube: The Equality and Human Rights Commission has got all with it and has launched a YouTube channel, which it says will feature a range of video clips relating to the Commission's work, including a series of stories called 'Equally Different'. It says it will use this and other social networking sites to tell people about its work promoting fairness, equality and human rights. EHRC news release and YouTube channel.
Parent package: KPMG has launched a new My Family Matters maternity and parenting package for its employees, as it predicts it will become more difficult for carers of children to balance work and home demands in the future. The firm's Rachel Campbell said: 'The demands of modern society on women and carers of both sexes are only getting higher,' adding: 'That is why we are increasing our package of support.' KPMG news release. People Management. Personnel Today.
Driver fatigue: One in five crashes on major roads is caused by tired drivers, but research shows many motorists are ignoring the simplest sign - the common yawn - that it's time for a break. A government campaign featuring acting star Joseph Fiennes sets out to remind motorists of the dangers of driving when tired - and says it is a particular problem for working drivers. DfT news release and driver fatigue campaign.
RESOURCES
TUC protect yourself at work guide
The third edition of the TUC's best-selling guide to employment rights at work is now available. 'Your rights at work' has been completely revised and updated. Highlights include fully rewritten chapters on maternity rights, flexible working, holiday entitlement, health and safety and disciplinary procedures. The text deals with all major employment rights, devoting a full chapter to each. Chapters cover starting a job, parental leave and maternity rights, discrimination and bullying, email privacy, dismissal and redundancy, pay and holiday rights, and enforcing your rights.
TUC briefing document. Your Rights at Work - a TUC Guide, 3rd edition, £9.99.Order online at TUC Publications or download an order form [pdf].
The business case for equal opportunities
Research published by the government shows that equal opportunities policies and practices do not overall have a negative impact on business performance. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says the research helps allay fears that equal opportunities means large, extra costs for business. The research used the 2004 Workplace Employment Relations Survey to assess the effect of equal opportunities policies and practices on profits and productivity in the private sector. Academics from the National Institute of Social and Economic Research concluded equal opportunities policies and practices do not place disproportionate burdens on business - it does not appear, on average, to cost the private sector profits. They also found there is some limited evidence that family friendly policies can deliver productivity gains for smaller establishments and profit gains for larger establishments. The report says the relationship between equal opportunity policies and practices and business performance is complex, however, and did not conclude there were large and widespread business benefits from the existence and implementation of equal opportunities policies.
DWP news release. DWP Research Report 483. The business case for equal opportunities: An econometric investigation, April 2008, summary and full report. NIESR.
Life of women and men in Europe
The second edition of 'Life of women and men in Europe - a statistical portrait' has been issued by the European Commission's statistic unit, Eurostat. It describes the situation of women and men at different stages of their lives. Eurostat says its analysis reveals persistent gender inequalities when it comes to caring for dependants, employment and salaries, participation in areas of political and economic decision-making, as well as personal health. There are also gender gaps in terms of life expectancy, employment, income, personal health and social relations.
Eurostat publication note and news release [pdf]. Life of women and men in Europe - a statistical portrait, Eurostat, March 2008, table of contents [pdf] and full report [pdf].
Worklife balance attitudes in Britain
The findings of the Third WorkLife Balance Employer Survey for 2007 are now available on the Eurofound website. The document provides an up-to-date picture of worklife balance practices and attitudes in British workplaces with five or more employees. As the third survey in the series, it offers the opportunity of assessing change over time in relation to worklife balance issues and the impact of new legislation in this area. The research covers a wide range of issues including working hours, provision and take-up of flexible working arrangements, awareness of legislative changes, leave provisions, support for working parents and employers' attitudes to worklife balance measures.
Worklife balance attitudes and practices in British workplaces, 2007, Duncan Adam, University of Warwick [also pdf].
Also new on the Eurofound website: Working in Europe: Gender differences; Working longer, living better - Women at work; Working longer, living better - Europe's coming of age; Working longer, living better - What companies can do; Working longer, living better - Who cares?; and Working longer, living better - Focus on all phases of life.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Australia: Unions welcome new employment plans
New National Employment Standards (NES) proposed by Australia's Labor government are an important step towards restoring workers' rights, unions have said. Sharan Burrow, president of national union federation ACTU said: 'The ten minimum legal standards, when enacted, will underpin a set of modern awards to provide a comprehensive safety net for all Australian workers.' She added: 'In particular, the NES could benefit many women workers, especially those in low paid, casual or part-time work and who do not have the benefit of awards or agreements. The NES will also be to the advantage of workers with caring responsibilities by providing new rights to parent leave and flexible working arrangements.' Ms Burrow was speaking on 8 April, as ACTU made its submission in response to the proposals. 'In our submission the ACTU proposes a number of changes to the draft NES, including a stronger right for parents of young children to request flexible working arrangements with an onus on employers to give fair consideration to the request and a right to appeal unreasonable employer refusals.' She added: 'In particular, unions will push for the right to 14 weeks paid maternity leave to be included in the National Employment Standards following the outcome of the Productivity Commission inquiry into the paid maternity leave which is due early next year.'
ACTU news release and submission [pdf].
Brazil: Union action for shorter hours
Metalworkers in Brazil are organising demonstrations and strikes throughout the country, to pressure the government to approve a reduction in working hours. Two national metalworkers' confederations, the Confederación Nacional de los Metalúrgicos (CNM) and the Confederación Nacional de los Trabajadores Metalúrgicos (CNTM), are organising a joint campaign for a reduction in working hours, without a reduction in pay. The campaign was approved at a meeting held at the Sao Paulo Metalworkers' Union offices, attended by Eleno Becerra, CNTM president, Carlos Alberto Grana, CNM president and leaders of metalworking federations and unions in all states in which the confederations have affiliates. 'Companies are hitting record production levels, meanwhile the prices of cars, for example, are the same throughout the country, but pay and working hours are not. So we have to take joint action to end these inequalities. If the price is national, pay rates should be the same,' said Carlos Alberto Grana. 'The fight for a reduction in working hours is a major battle. Our demand for a reduction in working hours is only the beginning and we shall intensify this campaign,' said Eleno Becerra.
Global: Winning work-life balance helps women
Governments - and fathers - have big roles to play in achieving a better work-life balance that helps deliver gender equality. That was a key message to a meeting of the UNI women's world committee in Nyon, Switzerland on 10-11 April. Too often, members were told, family responsibilities fall on women - unpaid work that is rarely measured and not counted in the wealth statistics (GDP) of nations. And if they get paid work too then they still have to do most of the domestic work and caring. 'It's important that men and women share unpaid work,' Naomi Cassirer from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) told the meeting. 'But it's as important - if not more important - that we ask the State to do more and step up to their responsibilities.' Paid childcare is often beyond the means of many of the world's working women, leaving very difficult choices. 'Nobody should have to leave a four-year-old at home alone because they have to go and earn some income,' said ILO's Naomi Cassirer. Her ILO colleague Laura Andatti urged social dialogue involving unions and employers to implement ILO Conventions covering basic rights for workers with family responsibilities, maternity protection and working hours and equal pay. Unions can help in supporting women to claim their rights and by providing direct support to workers with family responsibilities. 'There are examples around the world of making unions more family friendly places,' she said.
GLOBAL ROUND-UP
Breastfeeding bit: 'Workplaces can do their bit to support breastfeeding mums on their return to work,' Carol Beaumont, president of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions has said. 'Some employers have come on board with breastfeeding breaks and facilities, but at a time of high skills and labour shortages and increasing participation of women in the paid workforce, employers need to make sure their workplaces are as welcoming as possible to new mothers returning to the workforce,' she said, adding: 'Improving breastfeeding and parental leave provisions is important for all New Zealanders, not just parents, as it can contribute to maternal and child health, gender equity and income stability.' NZCTU news release.
Workplace babies: An unlikely trend is emerging in the US: a growing number of companies are allowing parents - usually mothers - to bring their babies into work. Estimates say at least 83 US companies are already doing this, and the Parenting in the Workplace Institute says it is 'a viable, inexpensive tool for helping employees return to work sooner, lowering turnover, improving morale, increasing overall productivity, enhancing teamwork and collaboration, recruiting new employees, attracting new customers, and making existing customers more loyal.' Parenting in the Workplace Institute - website and Babies in the workplace webzone. The Guardian and related audio slideshow.
Part-time failings: Part-time employment has failed to deliver either at home or in the office, with large numbers of white collar workers suffering career burnout and family stress. Australian researchers concluded those hit hardest are women professionals who had looked to part-time work as a way of balancing family responsibilities and working life. The Australian.
Korean women: An awareness campaign has been launched by the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) to put the case for decent work and gender equality. 'The Equal Employment Act which was enacted 20 years ago will be renamed as The Act on Equal Employment Act and Support for the Reconciliation of Work and Family starting from this coming June,' it said, but added: 'However, the real lives of women workers are showing no signs of improvement despite the advancement of the legislation on women workers.' FKTU news release.
Sit down protest: South Korea's largest union umbrella group has launched a campaign to make discount stores and other workplaces provide chairs for workers who are needlessly forced to stand. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) said the move is to prevent standing-related health problems, which can be a particular problem for pregnant workers - a widely ignored law obliges management to provide chairs or stools for workers while taking breaks or not dealing with customers. Korea Times. Hazards guide to workplace standing hazards.
Le stress: An apparent workplace stress crisis afflicting French workplaces had prompted the government to launch an evaluation of the extent of the problem and to plan a surveillance system for work-related suicides. The issue reached national prominence after a spate of suicides at workplaces, including car plants run by both Renault and Peugeot. REHS news releases on the Peugeot report and the French government stress study. Hazards work-related suicides webpages.
Lidl spy-ers: German supermarket group Lidl has denied that it spied on its staff, but has admitted that it placed secret cameras in its stores. The multinational company, which also confirmed it had employed private detectives, insisted that it carried out the measures simply to combat shoplifting, however Germany's data protection officer described the reports as a 'grave infringement' and retail union Verdi expressed outrage. BusinessWeek. The Times. BBC News Online. The Independent. The Guardian.
Better state: The US state of New Jersey has moved another step closer to becoming the third state in the country to give employees the right to take paid leave to care for a newborn or a sick relative. The State Senate voted 21 to 15 in April to approve a bill that would offer such employees up to six weeks' paid leave; the Assembly approved the plan in March, and Governor Jon S Corzine said he would soon sign it. National Partnership for Women and Families news report. New York Times.
Newsletter (5,200 words) issued 23 Apr 2008
