date: 15 May 2008

embargo: For immediate release

TUC welcomes extension of right to request to parents of teenagers

Responding to the Government's proposal to extend the right to request flexible working to the parents of children up to age 16, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'We welcome the extension to the age of 16, and that reports it would only apply up to the age of 12 are wrong. But unions will continue to campaign for everyone to have the right to request flexible working as it benefits both employees and employers if all staff can find a proper balance between work and the rest of their lives.'

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Media enquiries:
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Press release (200 words) issued 15 May 2008