Harris backs bill for working mums

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 27th Mar 2007

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Dr Evan Harris, is sponsoring a private members bill in the House of Commons today which aims to give parents with children under 18 more rights to flexible working.

Currently parents can only request to work flexible hours if their youngest child is under the age of six. Liberal Democrat MP Lorely Burt's Flexible Working Bill proposes raising this age to 18.

Dr Harris said:

"The lack of flexible working lies at the very heart of economic inequality between men and women. All too often mothers are forced to accept poorly paid part-time work, or give it up entirely, in order to fulfil their child caring role.

"There are too many women in jobs beneath their skill level. The right to request flexible working should ensure that business does not lose out on women's talent and also allow women to fulfil their potential."

"This Bill is even more necessary when affordable and flexible child care is in such short supply in Oxfordshire".

"The Bill would apply to men as well, who are increasingly keen to spend more time with their children as they are growing up".

The Liberal Democrats are campaigning to extend the right to request flexible working to all parents with children under the age of 18 with an online petition, launched today, and an Early Day Motion tabled in Parliament.

Related Links:

Liberal Democrat Flexible Working Campaign.

Early Day Motion 1218 'Flexible Working'.