The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is calling upon affected parties to discuss and agree upon a definition of what makes good work.

Called for by DWP minister Lord McKenzie, businesses, charities and the government are to be encouraged to build a consensus to ensure the fostering of a productive and healthy place of work.

"We know that good work is beneficial for individuals, communities and the economy," said Lord McKenzie.

"But we need to figure out exactly what 'good work' is, so that we can ensure workplaces are happy, healthy and productive," he added.

Some of the measures mooted as possible options include the cutting of bureaucracy, improving the provision of flexible working patterns and the development of an open culture within the workplace.

The DWP operates with a framework of objectives, one of which is to realise an end to child poverty through participation with other departments of government by 2020.