|
Working parents are facing an even heavier burden as a result of the recession, with growing financial pressures and weakening job security contributing to their worries. Balancing these concerns with family responsibilities and careers is yet another challenge for these individuals. A combination of job cuts, pay freezes and reduced earnings have affected many employees across the country, but this is also resulting in many households growing to rely on the presence of two incomes. Many businesses have not adapted the family-friendly working arrangements others have taken to heart, but there are others that offer flexible hours and onsite childcare facilities. The downturn is preventing some of those companies which would like to offer both support for people's career aspirations and the flexibility that can help parents look after children from doing so. Despite this, a number of parents can qualify for the right to request help in the form of a more flexible working schedule. While this right is restricted to those who have worked with an employer for half a year or more who have a child under 17 or a disabled child under 18, this could provide many with the assistance they need. Whether this is in the form of shift working or staggered hours - or even job sharing - there are a number of different models which can be adopted. It can also include part-time work, with hours set for school hours, or working from home. However, it is important to realise that there is no legal obligation for a firm to provide the support an employee asks for. The company must give the request serious consideration and - if it is turned down - provide a valid business reason for doing this. Parents considering applying for a vacancy should not be put off by the fact they will not be eligible for this right for 26 weeks, as there remain a number of options people can still take. Having extended families who are able to help look after a child while its parents are working is one good way to obtain cheap childcare. Sharing a nanny with families and friends is one key way that parents can benefit from these services with a lower-than-normal cost. This trend is becoming increasingly popular and agencies are beginning to establish themselves as companies that match groups of parents with nannies. It may be challenging, but it is possible to combine a successful career with looking after a child. One of the best ways to achieve this is by coming to a flexible working arrangement with an employer, but even when this is not available it is possible to arrive at a childcare solution. With Careers and Jobs, you can view all the latest jobs, browse UK jobs by sector and keep up to date with the latest UK job news. You’ll also find expert career advice and help with CV writing to help land that dream job.
Related Articles -
job, jobs,
| 
