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Vann: Flexible working key to tackling the recession
April 9, 2009 11:55 AM
Liberal Democrats will offer twenty hours of free quality childcare for all children from eighteen months
Legislation came into effect on Monday (April 6) to give people the right to request flexible working and increase paid holiday entitlement.
However, critics have argued that the subsidy will not significantly alter employers' decision-making in the recession.
Whilst speaking to residents in Bedford and Kempston, Henry Vann, Bedford and Kempston parliamentary campaigner for the Liberal Democrats, has met single parents who are struggling to find employment in the recession and feel intimidated within the current benefits system.
Commenting on the implementation of flexible working rights, Henry Vann said:
"I welcome the expansion of flexible working rights. Continuing in employment whilst being able to fulfil their family responsibilities is of real concern to all parents, particularly in a recession, where there is a fear of asking employers for more concessions and time off.
"Whilst speaking to parents around Bedford and Kempston over the weekend, I met more than one parent who was struggling to find employment during this recession. It is vital that this policy is not allowed to fail like so many other initiatives from the Labour government.
"To provide the additional support needed, the Liberal Democrats will offer nineteen months' shared parental leave to new parents and twenty hours of free quality childcare for all children from eighteen
months."
Henry added: "What we need are permanent changes to make our employment system fairer, not temporary initiatives from the
Conservatives and Labour. Our measures will not just work in a recession, but will also increase fairness outside a recession.
"We are the only party with the long-term plans to tackle the unemployment of people who want to work."
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