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How to make Greater Manchester a flexible powerhouse

Making Manchester flexibleThe phrase ‘Northern Powerhouse is something that’s being mentioned with increasing frequency. From the proposed creation of the HS2 trainlines to the recent election of Andy Burnham as Greater Manchester’s first official mayor, there’s a real sense of excitement about the region’s potential for growth.

For the government and other policy makers who are investing in the region, there’s a clear sense that this growth needs to benefit all parts of the community. And as we at Timewise know only too well, without enough quality flexible jobs being available, that just won’t happen; key parts of the workforce will end up locked out of the jobs market, and so unable to share in the region’s success.

It’s with this in mind that we set out to create the first Greater Manchester Flexible Jobs Index, in partnership with EY. And, just as we’ve found in the UK as a whole, the research revealed a massive gap between the number of good quality flexible jobs that are available at the point of hire and the number of people who want them.

Only 11.4% of jobs above the minimum wage are advertised as flexible

We know from previous research that 73% of UK employees currently work flexibly in one way or another. But as the index reveals, in the Greater Manchester region, only 11.4% of jobs at or above the minimum wage are advertised as being open to flexible or part-time working.

This gap between the supply and demand for quality flexible jobs means that people who can’t work without flexibility – such as parents, carers and older workers, or those with health or disability issues – are likely to be stuck in low-paid jobs, or locked out of the job market altogether. It also means that others who want flexibility – which increasingly means everyone – may take their skills elsewhere.

And it’s important to note that we’re not talking about zero hour contracts or gig work here; the price for flexibility shouldn’t be insecurity. When we talk about quality flexible jobs, we mean jobs carried out on a part time or flexible basis that pay an acceptable, regular salary; the people of Greater Manchester who need to work in this way deserve no less.

So if local leaders want to make sure that all parts of the workforce are able to benefit from the investment into the region, and play their part in driving its growth, increasing the availability of quality flexible jobs and improving flexible career progression has to be part of the strategy.

We need a strategic approach to increasing flexible opportunities

The good news is, we know that Greater Manchester leaders are keen to do what it takes to bring about real, sustainable change. So what would that mean in practice?

At a local authority level, it would mean the Greater Manchester Combined Authority councils leading by example, taking action on flexible hiring themselves and supporting the employers they work with to do the same. Becoming accredited Timewise Councils would be a great place to start; we’re delighted that Oldham and Manchester City councils are already working with us to achieve their accreditation, and hope to welcome others on board.

And the mayoral office also has the power to drive change from the top. Including a request that companies advertise quality jobs as open to flexible working in the Good Employment Charter, and investing in a flexible job design kit for SMEs, are two practical examples of how that could be tackled.

Let’s get to work to build a flexible powerhouse

By building flexible working and flexible job design into the region’s development strategy, local leaders will open up opportunities to raise living standards, tackle inequality and improve social mobility. They will help ensure that their workplaces are future fit, ready to embrace the demand for flexible working and attract the best candidates at a time of increasing skills shortages.

And they will boost business growth and performance, and help make Greater Manchester a flexible powerhouse, a hub for jobs and careers with built-in progression, and a go-to region for the very best talent. The Greater Manchester Flexible Jobs Index has highlighted the problem; now let’s crack on and fix it.

 

To find out more about our consultancy and training services, or to discuss becoming an accredited Timewise Council, please email info@timewisefoundation.org.uk

Published November 2017

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