Prime minister Tony Blair last week pledged to extend the right to request flexible working to carers of elderly and sick relatives.

The measures will place a duty on employers to take the requests seriously. At present, carers can only request time off for emergencies.

Carers UK said that the pledge was a "huge step forward for working carers' rights", with more than half the nation's six million carers in employment. "Our work has shown time and time again that flexibility from employers helps carers to stay in work longer," said Imelda Redmond, head of the charity.

The move will bring carers in line with parents of children aged under six or disabled children under 18.