Taskforce to advise on flexible working

A government taskforce to examine ways of giving working parents the right to ask to work flexible hours has been welcomed by the TUC and the Equal Opportunities Commission.

However, Bill Morris, general secretary of the T&G general union, told the BBC that he was "amazed that here we are - the 21st century, after years of sacrifices - and the government are promoting a right to ask as a major breakthrough."

The Work and Parent Taskforce intends to have a "light-touch" legislative approach and will advise on measures to allow parents with young children to work flexible hours and have their requests considered seriously.

TUC general secretary John Monks welcomed the taskforce but said: "The real test of the proposals will come when they are put into practice."

The taskforce is expected to report back to the government in November.