Work Life Balance - Wrexham County Borough Council

Work Life Balance in the UKThe Work Life Balance Campaign was launched in the UK in March2000. A consultation document 'Changing Patterns in a ChangingWorld' was launched by the UK Government and the WelshAssembly Government in 2000. This set out changes in the worldof work as a result of new technology, new opportunities, anincreasingly competitive global market, more women working, feweryounger people and more older people.The purpose of the campaign was to convince employers ofthe economic benefits of Work Life Balance (WLB) by presentingcase studies and to convince employers of the need for change.Since the launch of the campaign WLB initiatives have beenpromoted and supported by the UK and Welsh AssemblyGovernments through a legislative framework, including parentalleave rights, organisations supporting WLB initiatives, the ChildcareStrategy and funding for childcare through tax credits and childcarevouchers. Most major UK companies have recognised theimportance of Work Life Balance to their business; they have gonefurther than required by legislation and made WLB available to allemployees. Many SMEs, though, are still experiencing barriers to theintroduction of flexible working/WLB policies and practices.