12.11.12
Flexible working rights to be extended
All employees will be entitled to ask for flexible working under new plans to be revealed this week. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will announce the changes, in an effort to get more women back into the workplace.
The plans are based on research from the Resolution Foundation think tank, which suggests there are 1m women ‘missing’ from the workforce.
Greater flexibility over working hours will mean parents can divide childcare in different ways, and will be extended to all employees with 26 weeks continuous service with their employer.
Clegg will say: “Giving everyone this new right will help drive a culture shift in the workplace. Today's households aren't all comprised of one bread winner and one homemaker; mum in the kitchen; dad in the office.
“The reality is that in many families, both parents work, often juggling busy lives, often working part-time, often without relatives or friends close by who can help out. Yet too often their lives are governed by rules and practices that belong to another time.”
Women’s minister Maria Miller will also announced £2m to improve childcare. The funding will help start 6,000 new childcare businesses with start-up grants of up to £500.
She will say: “There are more women in work than ever before and they will play a vital part in our economic recovery. It is vital that the Government supports families and helps even more women get into or go back to work.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]