Flexible working plans unveiled

Plans to give an extra 4.5 million parents the right to request flexible working have been announced.

The Government said the move will provide a big boost for busy working parents.

The right to flexible working requests are restricted to parents whose children are under six or disabled, but an independent review by Imelda Walsh, human resources director of supermarket giant Sainsbury's, said the right should also apply to parents of children up to the age of 16.

The Government said it will now consult on how the proposal can be implemented.

Business Secretary John Hutton said: "This is an excellent report that will give a big boost to busy parents who need more help balancing work and family life.

"It can also help employers who often find they get the best out of mums and dads when they allow them to work flexibly."

He added: "It is important that employers retain control over deciding whether it suits their business to allow people to work flexibly, but extending the right to request to parents of older children will allow families to take priority when decisions are made."

Women and Equalities Minister Harriet Harman said: "Families are the framework of our lives. Parents want both to earn a living and do the best they can in bringing up their children, but need more flexibility at work.

"We've already built a strong foundation of support for families, with the right to request flexible working for parents of children up to the age of six, as well as improved maternity and paternity rights.

"But, as any parent knows, the demands of parental responsibility don't end at the age of six, which is why we are going to extend the right to request flexible work to parents with older children."

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