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Parent Power
Under new guidelines announced in late 2001 by the government, parents with young children will, from 2003, be allowed to request working hours to suit their childcare commitments. This directive could potentially change the working lives of almost four million mothers and fathers who have children under six or who are caring for disabled children up to the age of 18.
The legislation coincided with the case of former police constable Michelle Chew, who won her sex discrimination battle against Avon and Somerset Police. The force refused her request to reject inconvenient work shifts so she could care for her two young children.
The savings
According to Patricia Hewitt, the Trade and Industry Secretary, the new approach will save employers about £100 million a year in recruitment costs by enabling them to retain experienced members of staff. She claims it will also ensure that working parents are given more choice in managing the balance between work and family. She says: 'People shouldn't have to choose between being a good parent and being a good employee.'
The reaction
The guidelines have had a mixed response among unions and campaign groups. Some critics of the new legislation are disappointed that the government has stopped short of giving mothers and fathers an automatic right to work flexi-time. When the legislation comes into play, employees will be free to request working hours that suit them but will still be at the mercy of employers who may or may not be sympathetic to their needs.
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