Flexible working can cut hours wasted on commuting

Flexible working could free up around three weeks extra work time for working dads.

UK workers waste up to three weeks of every year due to commuting problems according to new research. One way to change that is with more flexible working, cutting out travel time to and from the workplace.

A survey by business group the CBI found the average person loses nearly three hours every week to commuting troubles. That adds up to 125 hours a year. Five whole days or three working weeks.

The CBI published the findings as part of its new The Future of Commuting campaign.

Flexible working

They have pinpointed flexible working as one route to improving things. The organisation, which represents employers, called on their members to promote different ways of working as one solution. They also want to see investment in railways.

The government has committed to invest in transport infrastructure. And the new administration is also looking at ways to improve productivity in the UK.

New decade

Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director, said: “As we head into a new year, and a new decade, commuters will be anxious to see what the new Government’s spending commitments will mean for them.

“Encountering delay and disruption far too often, employees up and down the UK want a cheaper, greener and more reliable commute.

“This will only be achieved by business and the government working together to invest and deliver the right infrastructure, and make better use of existing capacity on our networks – from a plan for a more accountable rail system to expanding smart ticketing and promoting flexible working.”

Last week the government announced it will be trialling flexible rail season tickets. That’s seen as a recognition that fewer folk work a five day week. Regular season ticket sales are in decline year on year. Commuters that only need to go to their workplace for part of the week will be able to buy cheaper season tickets that match their work pattern.

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