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9 Apr 01

POOLE AMONGST FIRST IN COUNTRY TO RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS WORK LIFE BALANCE AWARD

The Borough of Poole is the first Council and one of the first three employers in the country to be awarded the prestigious Work Life Balance Award, which recognises work-life balance best practice. To gain the work life balance standard, employers must show a commitment to supporting employees in achieving an effective balance between their home and work lives.

Employment Minister, Margaret Hodge MBE MP, presented the Borough of Poole with the award at a ceremony held on 4 April at the Department for Education and Employment.

Cllr Chand Ewart, who chaired the Committee dealing with personnel and who has supported development of work life balance policies, said: "With increasing national recruitment pressures, it is important to treat employees well. We are proud of our employment policies which have cross party support and of our record as a good employer."

Cllr Annette Brooke, who attended the ceremony representing the Council's Executive, said : "To be the first Local Authority to receive this prestigious new award is a real achievement. We believe that supporting employees in balancing home and work pressures, helps the Council deliver first class services."

Margaret Hodge said: "Employers will find that good work-life balance practices not only help employees get a better balance between their personal and working lives, but can also make a real difference to the bottom line. Money is saved through reduced absenteeism, stress, recruitment and re-training costs and productivity is raised through better morale. It is a true win-win situation for business."


NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Borough of Poole, Oldborough Manor School and Hereford and Worcester Employment Service are the first three organisations to be awarded the Work-Life Balance Standard.

The Borough of Poole is the biggest employer in Poole and employs over 4500 employees. The Council's work life balance arrangements include:

· A flexitime and job share scheme
· 28 places at the Flippers Nursery facility
· An Adult Carers Officer to support both employees and resident who have caring responsibilities
· Adoption, compassionate leave and maternity leave schemes
· An employee counsellor
· Chaplain funded by Churches Together to be appointed this Summer

Colin Hague, Head of Personnel and Training, Tel: (01202) 633452