Did you use the flexible furlough scheme? Would you like to know more about how to attract and retain part-time workers?

The BRC is supporting Cranfield School of Management with government-sponsored research, conducted in collaboration with the CBI, on the flexible (part-time) furlough scheme and the future of part-time working. We are looking for employers with experience of using the flexible (part-time) furlough scheme to participate over the next few weeks.

The research explores employers’ experience of using the flexible (part-time) furlough scheme and whether/how it has influenced their use of part-time working. The research is already under way in hospitality, manufacturing and services, and the researchers are particularly keen to extend their work to the retail sector. The requirement is for online interviews with one senior HR person and two senior line managers in each participating organisation.

At a time of staff shortages, it is ever more important for employers to create high-quality part-time jobs that will attract and retain skilled people. Participating organisations will be invited to an employer webinar to discuss what employers have learned about how to design and manage part-time working to suit all types and levels of job.

The findings will also contribute to future government policy via the project Steering Group, which is chaired by former Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson and includes representatives from the Confederation of British Industry, Chartered Management Institute, Federation of Small Businesses, Trades Union Congress, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Government Equalities Office and other government departments.

If you would like to participate or find out more, contact Dr Charlotte Gascoigne on charlotte.gascoigne@cranfield.ac.uk