i noticed an article in the paper this morning about the new regulatio
ns around working parents and their rights. apparently from next month,
employees with children will have the right to apply to their employers for
flexible working hours. in and of itself this seems like a “good thing”, but if
you read a bit further, the implication is that the employees work can then be
shifted onto their colleagues.
this has happened to me a couple of times in the past and really bugs me
(although it was protected by legislation at the time). why should i take on
someone else’s work plus my own so that they can have an easier life? the most
annoying thing i have seen is when the person getting the extra time then
starts to complain about not getting better promotions or pay rises. everyone
should put in the same amount of effort, or if they don’t, then accept the lack
of career advancement as a side effect.
Matt White 
You are dooming women to having second class careers – I have only been able to pick up my own professional life once you were all old enough – think what I could have done in the profession if I had been in it all the time! (Chair of College/lecturing etc) People do have to make choices, but as women are now 50% of the work force, have the children and are reported still to do most of the childcare and household tasks, some flexible hours are called for. I understand the gripe about doing other peoples’ jobs – do you have an answer?
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Thanks Eiblis! Good point well made
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my comments were largely directed at men getting these extra rights, i accept that things are different for women but even so to expect equal rights at work surely you can’t then request special treatment for yourself?
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The real question is whether having children is felt to be a selfish act or one for the greater good. If it’s the first then it’s only fair that there is a loss to the individual who makes that choice. If, on the other hand, you see having children and being able to work in a way that makes family life more stable as a social good then it is fair that the burden is shared out more equally. I’m not commenting either way, just noting that there are two points of view.
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this could take on a life of it’s own! a topic for the next family weekend?
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Lets leave it until Christmas, just to add to the fun!
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