Businesses are being encouraged to offer staff flexible working to help more people stay in jobs.

A Glasgow firm backing a new fund, launched by the Scottish Government, said it creates a happier and satisfied workforce.

The Fairer Workplaces Fund will help forms pay for training and other measures to help support flexible working.

McAllister Litho, based in Finnieston, said it can benefit the business and the workforce.

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The firm gave employees a £500 a month extra payment for six months during the cost of living crisis.

Janette McAllister, managing director and owner said: “The implementation of flexible working at McAllister Litho Glasgow has resulted in a happier and more satisfied workforce.

Employee happiness translates into ongoing loyalty and hard work, ultimately benefiting the business.

“We are a team and we need to work together. If someone needs a bit of flexibility and we can provide that, we will because we know we’ll benefit from that person’s loyalty and hard work in return.

“Recognising the pivotal role of a dedicated team, I acknowledge that fostering flexibility not only makes good business sense but also aligns with our commitment to doing what is right.”

Since the covid pandemic many people are looking for flexible working to help create a better work/life balance or allow people to work while carrying out caring responsibilities.

Tom Arthur, Employment minister, said the fund can help employers offer measures like compressed hours to reduce the number of working days, swapping shifts and adjusting working hours.

He said: “Offering flexible shift patterns, remote working and making workplaces more accessible are among the relatively simple steps that can help more people into work and ensure they are able to stay there.

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“They are also good for business. Experience shows that adopting fair work practices can help recruitment and improve staff retention. This new fund and the dissemination of the learning from it will help more companies – and Scotland’s wider economy - reap those benefits.

“The company I’m visiting today demonstrate how supporting your workforce goes hand-in-hand with running a successful company.”

The fund worth £350,000 is open for applications until September 1.