Flexible working arrangements can have benefits for both employers and employees, new research has suggested.

A study conducted by the European Commission found that flexible work time arrangements support higher employment rates and more stable birth rates.

Viviane Reding, vice-president and commissioner for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship, said: "In times of economic slowdown, flexible working arrangements can help people stay in their jobs."

She added that flexibility in working time arrangements is important for economic recovery.

The research found that a number of northern European countries including Sweden, Germany and Norway perform well in terms of flexible work organisation, with more than half of employees utilising some form of flexibility.

The study found, however, that flexible working is not always positive for gender equality - such schedules tend to be considered a 'female' way of working and can confirm rather than challenge gender differences.

A report on the social and economic impact of rules on working time is shortly due to be published by the commission.

Posted by Alex Donnell