Father-friendly UK wanted by charter

A three-year initiative for a father-friendly Britain was launched
this week.

The charter aims to get the UK’s public services and workplaces to
create more flexible working opportunities for fathers and
encourage them to be more involved in their children’s lives.

It was launched by the National Information Centre on Fatherhood,
which includes charities such as Fathers Direct and several public
and private sector bodies. The centre will consult with public
services such as schools to make them more supportive of
fathers.

A guide developed with the Department for Education and Skills,
entitled Working with Fathers, was also published this week to
support family services such as Connexions and Sure Start to become
more accessible to fathers.

The launch coincided with the first anniversary of the government
introducing the right to flexible working for parents of young or
disabled children. Department of Trade and Industry study reveals
that the proportion of flexible working requests being declined has
nearly halved from 20 per cent before April 2003 to 11 per cent
after.

– More at www.dti.gov.uk