Recession prompts 'dramatic change' in the UK workplace

The recession has prompted a 'dramatic change' in the nature of the UK workplace, according to a recent survey.

The study of workplace trends, conducted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in conjunction with recruitment experts, revealed that employers and staff are working together to protect jobs and businesses.

Some of the key measures being taken include: introducing more flexible working hours; extra holiday and extended shut-downs; cuts in paid overtime; and freezes in pay and recruitment.

John Cridland, CBI Director-General, said, 'This has been a particularly bruising recession, but one of its most positive and striking aspects has been the commitment of many businesses and their staff to work together to try to trim costs and save jobs'.

The CBI called on the Government to help firms further by improving the availability of credit for investment, and delaying the introduction of additional employment regulation.