Zurich is lobbying government to legislate that larger companies make all vacancies where possible available on a part-time, job-share and flexible basis, unless there are specific business reasons why this is not possible.
The insurer’s said this would be particularly important in a tightening jobs market, giving wider access to talent pools and where people wanted the ability to manage other life commitments rather than working in “outdated patterns”.
It made the call following the launch of a flexible working initiative in 2019 which saw all new vacancies advertised as a potential part-time, job share or full-time opportunity alongside flexible working.
It also ensured that gender-neutral language was used in every job advertisement
Zurich revealed that over the past year nearly one in four new female hires (23%) had been appointed on a part-time basis, up from just 10% in 2019.
The research also showed demand for part-time jobs had almost doubled from 6% to 11% since the launch of its flexible working approach.
As well as doubling the number of part-time hires overall, the insurer added it has seen the number of applications rise more than two thirds since the initiative was launched.
As a resut, it is calling on the government to legislate that all companies over an agreed size, for example private companies with over 500 employees and £500m in turnover, should make all vacancies wherever possible available on a part-time, job-share and flexible basis, unless there are specific business reasons why this is not possible.
Tightening labour market
Commenting on the initiative’s success, Steve Collinson, HR director of Zurich UK, said the business recognised that people still wanted to progress their careers while managing a host of other commitments.
“Our approach is about removing barriers for those who need flexibility. We are urging the government to make businesses like ours advertise all roles as being available on a more flexible basis wherever they can,” he said.
“Our part-time jobs initiative means we’re able to access a whole new pool of talent. This is a priority for us in the current climate but also benefits working parents, carers, those with portfolio careers or other interests they want to pursue.
“As the labour market tightens, employers need to rethink their approach to attracting and retaining talent. Workers want a new deal and are no longer prepared to work in outdated and rigid patterns.”
Minister for employment Mims Davies MP said: “Flexible working and hybrid working opens up more employment inclusiveness and progression opportunities to a wider range of talent, and this government is committed to ensuring workers can balance their work-life commitments.”