Press Release
The right to request flexible working to all employees is a move in the right direction but could government could go further says GMB
14 November 2012
As no new resources are there to realise this paternity leave and there is no encouragement for employers to be sympathetic to any requests the glass is half empty says GMB
GMB commented on the announcement by Deputy Prime Minister on flexible working and right of parents to exchange maternity leave. See notes to editors for details of the announcement.
Kamaljeet Jandu, GMB National Officer for Equality and Inclusion, said:
“The Deputy Prime Minister's announcement that the right to request flexible working will be extended to all employees is a move in the right direction but could go further. This proposal will entitle fathers to request maternity leave however this is depended on the mother being able to transfer her maternity entitlement to the child's father after two weeks. There are no new resources to realise this paternity leave and there is no encouragement for employers to be sympathetic to any requests. The glass is half empty'
However these proposal will do little to change the highly unequal division of childcare and employment responsibilities between men and women. Mothers will remain the primary child-carers, and motherhood will continue to penalise pay and career prospects.
Further, the Deputy Prime Minister has supported the virtual closure of the Equality and Human Rights Commission while women continue to carry the greater burden of the recession.”
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