Parent Power

The upside
Although there are potential problems with the new legislation, many people are pleased that at least the difficulties experienced by working parents are now being considered and understood. Helen Foreman, a mother of three young children who works full time in a recruitment agency, says: 'I think this latest legislation is a move in the right direction. I would love to be able to work part time, or at least shorter days so that I could spend more time with my children. I am very interested to see whether working parents really will be able to work less hours without forfeiting a successful career, and, even more importantly, whether men will take advantage of the scheme. 'It makes sense, after all, to try and create the right working conditions in which people can give of their best without having to feel guilty all the time.'