The Steer (Jan): shining a light on PTS
This month we want to help shine a light on the work that Pregnant Then Screwed (PTS) have been doing to lobby government & fight for flexible working.
Post-COVID, we saw momentum building around reform to childcare and flexible working practices, but with economic doom lurking, the campaign is significantly under threat as business & gov’t default to the past narrative of childcare reform being cost-prohibitive and flexible working being unproductive…
After tireless campaigning (along with other organisations like Mother Pukka), PTS have headway - amendments to the Employment Protection Bill - allowing employees to make Flexible Working requests on Day 1, rather than after 26 weeks… albeit a great example of positive change, this amendment doesn’t go far enough & in October last year over 15,000 parents descended on Government to protest for Childcare Reform…s, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Alexander Stafford MP & Vice Chairman for policy.
You know you’re pushing treacle up a hill when the government official you’re meeting with to discuss Flexible Working & amendments to employment policy, doesn’t actually know what Flexible Working is!
Here we are beginning a year with seemingly more obstacles to overcome than ever. PTS need us. All of us. Parents and non-parents to campaign for Childcare and Flexible Working Reform. It’s in all of our interests.
People (HR) people are uniquely placed to both influence organisational culture, as well as set a standard in flexible working practices in the modern workplace. If businesses lead the way, Government will be forced to follow suit…
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
COMPLETE the PTS National Survey & help provide much needed data, insights & rationale needed to lobby for change.
WRITE to your MP – It might seem old skool but MP’s are obliged to respond to issues raised by their constituents & if enough people make noise, all parties will have to take note.
ENGAGE with PTS on the actions you’re taking within your organisation to support parents; share policies, frameworks &/or data that could help them with the cause.
THANK YOU!