Flexible working should be available to all

2.51.28pm GMT Thu 22nd Feb 2007

Jo pressed the Minister on Government plans to introduce flexible working

All employees should be given the right to request flexible working, according to Jo Swinson.

Speaking in the House of Commons today, Jo asked Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Ruth Kelly:

"Can the Minister tell me whether she agrees with her colleague, the Minister for Children, that all parents should have the right to request flexible working, and indeed given there are many reasons other than caring responsibilities why people want to manage their work-life balance differently, there would be benefits for all of society if this right were extended to everyone?"

Jo said:

"It is right that parents and those with caring responsibilities have the freedom to balance these with their work commitments.

"However, we also need to look closely at how the benefits of flexible working can be brought to all employees, given the variety of important commitments that people have to balance, other than caring for children, elderly relatives or others."

Earlier this month, Minister for Children Beverly Hughes stated that she supported giving workers without children the same right to flexible working as parents.

Related Link:

BBC - Call for flexible working for all