Flexible working schemes are saving businesses money and making employees happier, according to an expert.

CIPD chief economist Dr John Philpott has claimed the introduction of new flexible working legislation will benefit individuals and the economy alike.

Freezes on pay may be about to cease in the private sector, with benefits packages still making up for lower salaries, while the public sector faces up to significant budget cuts.

Employees are still working too much unpaid overtime and the Working Time Directive should be scrapped, according to a professional body.

Mills and Boon author Heidi Rice says women should not feel guilty for taking a bit of time to themselves during a busy working day in order to escape from stress and pressure.

Employers should be as flexible as possible during the forthcoming World Cup as employees with extra freedom are likely to be more loyal and work harder, according to one firm.

Many financial issues have yet to be resolved as employers wait to see how government plans will impact upon flexible benefits schemes.

Using a cycle to work scheme to purchase a bike is just one way to beat the recession, according to a columnist.

The largely undiagnosed condition of postnatal depression in fathers could be recognised if private medical insurance is included within an employee''s benefits package.

Benefits packages could include electric company cars if the government can help bring the vehicles into the mass market and provide subsidies and infrastructure.