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A new survey, carried out by two of leading industry organisations, shows that the public believes that the government should facilitate more flexible working to stimulate the economy.

158 MPs and over 2,000 adults took part in the ComRes poll, which was jointly commissioned by PCG and the REC.

The results show that the public no longer believe that a 'job for life' is viable any more (89% of MPs and 76% of the public hold this view).

The vast majority of respondents also agreed that a flexible labour force is important for stimulating economic growth, and that the Government should make it easier for companies to adopt a more flexible workforce approach.

Priorities for the Government

The two industry bodies are united on the priorities they believe the Government should take, going into the conference season:

1. Tax simplification - HMRC must improve their administrative processes, and cut back on red-tape (the IR35 regime is a prime example).

2. Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) - Aside from ensuring that the AWR doesn't harm flexible staffing, a one year review of the new rules is required, rather than two years.

3. Universal credit and pensions - The current pension regime needs to be more portable, and easier to administer for flexible workers.

Flexible working the key to future economic growth

Commenting on the results of the ComRes survey, Simon McVicker, Head of Public Affairs at PCG, said that flexible working policy is lagging behind:

"We are now calling for a clear and positive response from the Government delivering definitive policy action that will not only allow freelancing to reach its full potential but will be a real help to the UK economy at this time."

Tom Hadley, REC Director of Policy and Professional Services, said that full-time work is no longer the only 'viable' or even desirable way to work:

"The assumption that all of those working in a part-time or temporary capacity are only doing so because they can't find full-time work doesn't reflect reality. Instead, flexible working is embraced by individuals for a variety of reasons. Decision-makers must recognise this and support this important tool to promote much-needed economic growth."