Daycare Trust: Flexible working reforms welcomed

The Daycare Trust have welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement in the Draft Queens Speech that the Government will be implementing the proposals of the Walsh Report, extending the right to flexible working to the parents of older children.

In his speech yesterday the Prime Minister announced the intention to introduce the changes recommended by Imelda Walsh, the HR Director of Sainsburys, from April 2009.

The right to request flexible working is currently limited to parents of children under six years old.

Imelda Walsh has recommended that the right to request flexible working be extended to parents with children up to the age of 16. The Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) have said today that this reform will extend the right to request flexible working to 4.5 million more parents.

Alison Garnham, Joint Chief Executive of the Daycare Trust said:

"The teenage years are some of the toughest for parents, and flexible working is essential so parents of older children can strike the right balance between time at work and time with their children.

"Giving them the right to request flexible working would be a hugely welcome step, especially with the Government's drive to get lone parents into work when their youngest child is 12.

"However, flexible working isn't just for mums. Extending flexible working means that more men could reduce their working hours, delivering more time for children with both parents. It only remains for men to take up this option."


Ends.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Daycare Trust
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.
Daycare Trust is calling on the Government to

1. Meet parents' aspirations for universal childcare services by:
- expanding free places for two, three and four-year olds to at least 20 hours a week, for 48 weeks in the year and
- subsidising out of school activities for all 11-14s and for younger children from poorer families, aiming ultimately to make them free.

2. Tackle the affordability crisis by giving local authorities the means to develop sustainable services in poorer areas and provide free places for those missing out, including places for disabled children, parents needing out of hours care, Further Education students and parents of under-threes who want to train.

3. Set new standards for the pay of childcare workers, either through national benchmarks or incentives such as the Graduate Leader Fund.

Daycare Trust runs an information line (020 7840 3350) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.
Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, www.ecpc.org.uk.
For further information, contact Daycare Trust on 020 7840 3350.

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