MORE than 70 people attended a flexible working seminar at the Abbey Hotel, Malvern.

The seminar explored remote, mobile, flexible and home-working solutions that can improve the productivity of businesses.

Alwyn Davies, cabinet member for sustainability and the environment at Worcestershire County Council, which organised the seminar in conjunction with Herefordshire Council, said flexible working offered both businesses and employees benefits.

"Productivity can improve by adopting flexible working methods," he said.

"It can also reduce fixed operating costs, by scaling down, or eliminating, central office facilities.

"Staff recruitment and retention also improve."

He said employees gained through the reduction, or elimination, of commuting time, or by an adaptation of their normal working hours to meet home needs.

"The more flexible approach to working hours and locations allows employees to achieve a better balance of work and family life," he said.

The seminar, which took place on Thursday, February 27, also gave companies the opportunity to hear from a number of businesses that have adopted a more flexible approach to working, and the benefits they have achieved.

For more information, phone Nicky Luff at Worcestershire County Council, on 01905 766810.