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Network Journal 2007 Issue 6 Nov/Dec |
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More flexibility will help families
The Government has announced plans to set up an independent review to look at extending the rights of working parents to request flexible working.
Prime minister Gordon Brown included the proposal in his first Queen's Speech in November and the review body will be led by Imelda Walsh, senior human resources director at Sainsbury's.
General secretary John Hannett said: "Balancing work with bringing up children is a major issue for millions of workers and we are delighted that flexibility for working parents has been addressed in the Queen's Speech.
"The right to have a say in when you can and can't work makes all the difference. For many parents and carers it means the difference between holding down a job and having to give it up. Employers need to understand these pressures."
For many years Usdaw has put work/life balance at the heart of their industrial and political agenda. The union campaigned successfully for the introduction of the right for parents of children under six to request flexible working. This right was extended in April this year to carers of sick or disabled adults and the union continues to campaign for the right to be extended to parents of all school age children and ultimately all workers.
John Hannett added: "We have made the case and the Government has listened. Extending the right to request flexible working will help all parents to manage their responsibilities and maximise their employment opportunities."
www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/supportingparentsandcarers
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