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Network Journal 2005 Issue 1 |
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Juggling the demands of work and dependants
A big part of Usdaw’s Supporting Parents & Carers campaign is to try and make it easier for our members to juggle the demands of work with the demands of raising a family or caring for someone.
Almost two years ago, the Government helped to redress the balance by introducing a new right - the right to request flexible working. It gives parents of young and disabled children the right to ask for changes to their working hours. Employers are obliged to seriously consider the requests they receive otherwise they can face tribunal action.
To be eligible to apply you must satisfy the following qualifying conditions:
- Have completed 26 weeks service with the same employer at the point you make the application.
- Be the parent of a child under the age of six, or eighteen where your child is disabled.
- Make the application to enable you to care for your child.
If you are eligible then you have the right to ask for a change to:
- The times of day or night you work.
The right to request flexible working can really help parents achieve a better balance between work and family life - however not all of our members know about it.
We have plenty to do in terms of raising awareness among our members. With this in mind we have published two resources:
- A briefing telling reps all about the legislation and an application form to help members ask for a change in their working hours. This is available at: www.usdaw.org.uk/getactive/resource_library/ or you can order a copy from your local office.
- A new leaflet on the right to request flexible working, that we will send to all activists in the Supporting Parents & Carers Campaign Pack (in late March). At the back is a form asking you to tell us of your experiences.
This feedback is important as the Government has just published a consultation seeking our views on the range of new rights for parents that were introduced in April 2003 - of which flexible working was one.
This is our opportunity to tell the Government what is good about the new entitlement but we should also tell them what isn't working and how we think the law should be improved.
We won't be listened to unless we can give the Government evidence. So please tell us about your experience, and encourage colleagues in your workplace too, by filling in the form at the back of the leaflet.
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