Prime Minister Gordon Brown has come out with one
of the UK government's most ringing endorsements of
the benefits of flexible working. Writing in
the Daily Telegraph about the need to connect the
whole country with fast broadband, the Prime
Minister spoke of the benefits to employment,
particularly in rural areas and for working
families.
"The severe weather gripping Britain has
closed businesses and schools and left many
people unable to get to work or keep
appointments. Police advice - rightly - is not
to travel unless your journey is essential. But
if you urgently need to see a doctor, or keep a
business running, you may feel that you must
venture out in spite of the conditions.
"Rural communities particularly suffer at
such times. But imagine if you could hold a
consultation with your GP over the internet in
real time, or easily access your office
computer network from home, or hold two-way
video conferences. These are the very real
possibilities that super-fast broadband could
offer within just a few short years.
"By investing now in this digital revolution,
we can bring to households and businesses all
over the country internet speeds 50 times faster
than most people experience today. Such
advanced communications will encourage more
employees and employers to make greater use of
teleworking. This can deliver benefits both to
the firm and the worker, as well as the wider
economy, society and the environment.
"Teleworking can mean more job
opportunities, for example, for the disabled and
those with child-care responsibilities who wish
to work part-time - or allow someone to take a
job with a firm based too far away for a daily
commute - while also improving work-life balance
for many. Potentially, it can also contribute to
reducing congestion and lowering carbon
emissions.
"The number of people working remotely
from home more than doubled in the decade to
2007 and, as next-generation broadband becomes
more widely available, this figure will only
increase rapidly. All our lives will be
transformed beyond recognition by the exciting
opportunities for business, education, leisure
and access to public services. Indeed, it will
soon be seen as indispensable as electricity,
gas or water."
The Prime Minister's comments are very welcome,
and reflect new approaches to the world of work that
are emerging in UK public policy.
