Evaluate the use of flexible employment contracts for SA's future success.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2017). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [K] A flexible workforce includes a mix of employees working under different contract. Typically a few key people on full time permanent basis and then others part-time, zero hours, temporary, short term. This leads to workforce planning that meets the needs of the business.
2. [K] Importantly some flexible working arrangements offer flexibility to accept or refuse work to the employees as well, such as zero hours contracts.
3. [APP] In this case, the airline will need staff to cover more or less 24 hours a day flights to some destinations are seasonal, so changing needs for workers.
4. [APP] There have been some complaints, but others will be happy to work unsocial hours, part time, and so on, to fit around other commitments.
5. [APP] But some insecurity for both the staff and also the airline, as they can’t run flights without full crew.
6. [APP] The HR Director has suggested putting more staff on full time contracts and paying bonuses, so there could be an issue here.
7. [APP] Are there any other benefits of working for SA? Free travel?
8. [AN] The wage bill should be lower as SA are only paying workers when they need them.
9. [AN] Flexible arrangements suit some workers and not others – motivation issues?
10. [AN] The demand for air travel is growing and unemployment is low – will skilled staff still want to work for SA or might they leave and join a competitor for more secure positions? SA is trying to grow, so will need to retain and recruit.
11. [EVAL] Judgement may depend on rate of growth of SA, but also nature of staff in all the different jobs with the company.
12. [EVAL] The economic situation in countries where staff are recruited is important in terms of wage and employment levels.
13. [EVAL] Generally jobs working for airlines, budget or otherwise, are popular, so probably unlikely to face a staff shortage.
14. [EVAL] Arguments must be two sided and final judgement well supported.