Flexible working rights welcomed

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.