Postponement of flexible working plans will be a significant blow to parents
Family and Parenting Institute
The proposed plans to postpone the expansion of the right to request flexible working will be a major set back for many families.
That's according to the Family and Parenting Institute who today described Peter Mandelson's plans to postpone the extension of the right to request flexible working to parents of children 16 and under as a 'regressive step for families'.
The revelation comes during Parents' Week – an annual event to push the plight of parents up the political agenda and ask for a better deal for families.
Sally Gimson, Director of Communications at the Family and Parenting Institute said: "There is no denying that are we are facing uncertain times when it comes to the economy. But that doesn't mean we should drop all of the benefits we have fought so hard to get because times get tough.
"Being able to work flexibly can really help cut childcare costs. Many parents will lose out financially if these plans are delayed because they will have to pay for other arrangements.
"It is astonishing that this proposed postponement has come during Parents' Week – a time when we are asking for politicians and policy makers to listen to the needs of mums and dads up and down the country. Delaying the extension flies in the face of this and suggests that the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) is not listening to what families in this country have to say."
The results of a new snapshot survey (published today at the launch of a new online venture called Family Voice) by the Family and Parenting Institute revealed that 35% of parents want to have more say about policies on flexible working – women more so than men, with 38% of women wanting to be more vocal on this issue compared to 28% of men.
Flexible working can be a good thing for business – it can help to recruit and retain staff, increase motivation and can make it easier more people to work.
October 2008
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Family and Parenting Institute is the operating name of the National Family and Parenting Institute (NFPI). NFPI is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales. Registered company number: 3753345. Registered Charity No: 1077444. VAT Registration No. 833 0243 65. Registered Address: 430 Highgate Studios, 53-79 Highgate Road, London, NW5 1TL