Here’s a little snippet from the article:

“Workers will be entitled to claim paid leave to care for sick relatives under plans commissioned by Women’s Minister Harriet Harman.
All employees would also win the right to request flexible working hours to look after children and the elderly.

The proposals are contained in a report demanded by Miss Harman into the needs of the so-called ‘sandwich generation’ – working women who have to care for both young children and ageing relatives.

They are expected to be included in a green paper published by Miss Harman next year.

The proposals, revealed by Miss Harman at a think tank conference yesterday, are likely to prove popular with working women who Miss Harman has made it her special mission to woo.

But they will be dismissed by business leaders as likely to cost billions to firms who are struggling to stay afloat during the recession.”

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1233945/Harriet-Harman-unveils-plan-allow-workers-claim-paid-leave-look-sick-relatives.html#ixzz0Z6IUYWU8

As a working mum myself, I think these proposals are a good idea. I am fortunate enough to already have such leave arrangements available to me from my employer.

I appreciate we are in tough economic times, and that small businesses are struggling. However, I also know that many hard-working parents are struggling too! Family-friendly policies help to relieve stress for working parents.

I am astounded at the amount of inane drivel contained in the comments on the Daily Mail site, coming from grumpy old MEN!

Many comments bemoan maternity leave and flexible hours and potray female employees as ‘work-shy’ and ‘wastes of space’!

Taking care of a sick child or elderly relative is not just WOMEN’s work! BOTH parents should take it in turns to take time off to care for a sick child. If a man (married or single) has a sick (or dying!) parent, then surely he would want time off to look after them (sharing the burden – & time off – with any siblings). These proposals will be available to ALL employees, not just MOTHERS!

In my public sector job, I’m allowed 5 paid carers days per year to deal with family/dependant emergency obligations such as illness, injury, etc. I have used 2 such days in 5 years. I’m also entitled to Parental Leave, which is unpaid leave of up to a maximum of 13 weeks in respect of each child. These arrangements should be made available to all.

Who’ll nurse these grumpy old men, who’ve dismissed family-friendly policies, when they’re old & infirm? I can’t imagine their family members would want to! They’ll probably just hire some paid help (as they no doubt did for any offspring!)

I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the matter. Please leave a comment here and, while you’re at it, it would be great to see some more women’s comments on the Daily Mail website too!