'Back family-friendly measures with cash'

Government moves towards more flexible working for parents of young children need to be strengthened and accompanied by much greater investment in affordable quality childcare, says the Daycare Trust. Last week trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt set out proposals for a legal process by which parents with young children can come to an arrangement with employers to work hours that help them to better accommodate their family life. However, the onus is on the employee to ask for flexible hours, and if their request is refused the case might have to go to an employment tribunal.