Boris Johnson causes controversy with flexible working comment
06 Jul by Ashley Curtis
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has attacked plans to let commuters work remotely during the Games, claiming that working from home can be a 'skiver's paradise', reports money.aol.co.uk.
Johnson (who is known to be a bit of a character) may have said the comments in a tongue-in-cheek manner, but experts in the field of remote working claim that Johnson is disparaging the whole sector; from those who work at home in their garden office to those who edit documents while on the train.
Furthermore, Johnson's comments go against the government's own view, which wants large numbers of workers to stay at home due to overcrowding on public transport systems during the Games.
Rachael Saunders, head of communications and research at Opportunity Now, an equality campaign, was especially unhappy with Johnson's comments.
She said to hrmagazine.co.uk: "It is incredibly frustrating that Johnson has actively chosen to not support working from home initiatives many employers will be trialling throughout the Games.
"At a time when many employees face longer and more overcrowding on their commute, and with Transport for London urging London's commuters to think flexibly about their travel times, working from home will certainly be a saviour for many," she added.
According to data from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, 96 per cent of all employers provide flexible working arrangements to some employees.
