Flexible working delay another death knell for welfare reform plans

Commenting on today’s announcement by the Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson, that the extension of the right to request flexible working could be delayed, Kate Green, Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said:

“Flexible working rights are essential for thousands of lone parents due to be shifted onto Jobseekers Allowance by the Government’s welfare reforms.

“All along the welfare reforms were proposed on the basis that jobs would be there, private investment could be raised, child care would be there and employers would provide greater flexibility for parents. None of this is now in place.

“The Government must take urgent steps to postpone lone parents going onto JSA. Jobcentre Plus is already under pressure from thousands more people losing their jobs every day.”

Notes for editors

• CPAG is the leading charity campaigning for the abolition of child poverty in the UK and for a better deal for low-income families and children.
• CPAG is one of over 130 member organisations of the Campaign to End Child Poverty, campaigning for public and political commitment to ensure the goals of halving child poverty by 2010 and ending child poverty by 2020 are met.

For further information please contact:
Tim Nichols
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
tnichols@cpag.org.uk