The CBI and TUC have joined forces to promote flexible working as a way of helping the UK economy and making it easier for British workers to benefit from different work patterns.
The traditional adversaries will today sign a flexible working pledge. They will be joined by the British Chambers of Commerce, BT, Transport for London, the RAC Foundation, the Association for Commuter Transport, Scope, Technology Means Business and Henley Management.
Those involved will sign a concordat put together by non-profit organisation Work Wise UK, which calls for UK companies to adopt smarter and more flexible working and to significantly increase its use by 2011.
Options for supporters include more opportunities for staff to work from home, and mobile and remote working.
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Work Wise UK said the improvements in productivity conferred by flexible working would help the UK meet the competitive challenges presented by emerging economies such as India and China.