Transport for London has signed a £150,000 deal with Work Wise UK, a campaign group that encourages employers to offer staff more flexible working by providing advice and training.
Aimed at encouraging the widespread adoption of smarter working practices, such as home working or more flexible hours, the campaign complements the Work Place Travel Planning service that Transport for London already offers London employers.
By helping people to work more flexibly, Transport for London hopes to create a better work-life balance for many thousands of Londoners, as well as addressing the problems associated with peak hour travel.
Workers in London spend an average eight hours a week commuting – longer than any other workers in Europe.
Ben Plowden, managing director of group communications at Transport for London, said: “In the next 15 years, the capital’s population is expected to grow by 800,000, which will greatly increase the demand on the public transport network.
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“By working with our Work Wise UK partners, Transport for London aims to help organisations make full use of the opportunities that smarter working can offer both employers and their employees.”
Transport for London is providing £150,000 of funding in 2006-07 to Work Wise UK, with potential for further support in the future, subject to results.