Someone asked me if there was more flexibility in the workplace these days. My answer was “yes”, but not as a result of legislation or policy-makers telling people how to conduct their lives – it’s about the economy. A reduction in orders, plus the cost and reduced availability of finance, have caused many to look closely at how they run their operations.

People have been given the chance to reduce their working hours, take more holidays, work from home or take time to train. Sadly there have been job losses, but for those still in work, there have been some positive changes in the last year.

There is concern over the impact of reduced public sector spending on the private sector. When public sector contracts are cut by, say, 25 per cent, there will be pain, but maybe there will be opportunities too.

Could that mean that some functions will be contracted out? Or will individuals and companies be willing to pay for services, opening up a new market? Whether companies are looking to bid for the reduced number of public sector contracts, or are seeking new opportunities, this is the time to make sure that they have the essentials in place. Having health and safety and equality policies are common, but fewer have environmental or corporate social responsibility policies. It’s not just the public sector that is asking for those, but also the larger companies who are evaluating more than the costs in their supply chain.