Wednesday 2nd June 2010 - Published by Lara Page - Account Manager
Campaigners target parents - ‘the lost workforce of the west’
A campaign has been launched to help parents return to work as efforts grow to plug the skills gap and boost the flagging economy.
Many believe employers have a crucial role to play in the recovery by allowing parents to work on flexible terms, including home-working.
Now WinWeb.com, International software and services provider, whose products are tailored to SMEs and small businesses, is galvanising support for the idea.
The company is behind an online scheme called Supporting Parents in Business (SPIB) which acts as a support network for working parents.
Businesses who allow flexible working for mums and dads are being invited to display the SPIB logo on their websites and marketing material.
SPIB member and mum-of-one Tillie Harris initially trained as a journalist but now works from home as a freelance copywriter.
She said: “One of the things I appreciate about working from home is that I am able to prioritise my family and friends when I need to. I have a little girl and I'm able to work around her and her needs. I work the odd hour while she’s napping, but mostly I wait until my husband is looking after her. You can get a lot done in a relatively short periods of time if you don’t have any interruptions!”
WinWeb's products and services are designed with home-working and the self-employed in mind; allowing people to work from anywhere, at anytime.
The company’s SPIB campaign is partnered with Hiremyparents.com who help parents to find flexible work on their jobs board.
A WinWeb spokesman said: “Many people claim there is a skills shortage in this country, but many talented and skilled parents are out of work due to inflexibility on behalf of potential employers.
“Flexible working can benefit the whole of society; families, communities and the economy. Supporting Parents in Business hopes to help businesses to recognise this by tapping into what we are calling the lost workforce of the west. We are hoping to give parents with skills and expertise a chance to get back to work and to help bolster the economy."
Ends.
Notes to editors:
For more information about SPIB visit www.supportingparentsinbusiness.com
For further information, including photo and interview opportunities, please contact Susan Bryant:
2nd Floor, Berkeley Square House
Berkeley Square
London, W1J 6BD
United Kingdom
Tel: 0845 299 7777 Ext. 17
Email: susan.bryant@winweb.net
Web: www.winweb.com
