Tips on flexible working for mothers returning to work

The Maternity Alliance, a charity promoting the rights of pregnant women and new parents, has updated its guide to negotiating flexible working patterns for women returning to work after a baby. Child-friendly working hours - your rights is a two-page leaflet explaining how the Sex Discrimination Act can be used to argue for a change of working patterns, including what are considered to be "good reasons" for asking, as well as pointing out that an employer must have a good reason for refusing the request. It also lists six steps to follow when considering the practical arrangements of changing working patterns.

Child-friendly working hours - your rights is available from the Publications Department, Maternity Alliance, 45 Beech Street, London EC2P 2LX, tel: 020 7588 8583, price £2.