Media statement Thursday, April 23, 2009

Openness to new ideas encouraging for business confidence

The early extension of the 9 day fortnight and other ideas like it are encouraging creative employment options in the workplace, says David Lowe, Employment Services Manager for the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern).

"Prompt action on ideas such as extending the 9 day fortnight are helping retain business confidence," Mr Lowe said.

"Businesses can be reluctant to do things out of the ordinary for fear of criticism.

"But these are not ordinary times and the Government's initiatives are signals to business, unions and workers that creativity in the workplace is welcome.

"Employers can feel ok about raising alternatives to redundancy and discussing alternative solutions.

"The discussions are important because they legitimise conversations about ways and means to avoid redundancies that suit the business and the people working in it."

"Fears about doing something out of the ordinary are being allayed by the Government's openness to new ideas."

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