Date 29 November 2007

Press Release
For Immediate Release. Kedgley’s Inflexible Approach.

Sue Kedgley’s Flexible Working Arrangements Bill is a hollow ideological gesture, says Hans Laven, social development spokesman for the Republicans.

“This legislation, while imposing more unwelcome bureaucracy on employers will do little to help working parents,” adds Laven.

“While we applaud Ms Kedgley’s aim, we believe that a lot more is required to bring about any real improvement for working parents. For example, why limit the provisions to children under 5 years old when parents of school-aged children also need job flexibility?” asks Laven.

New Zealand is a country of small businesses. Why tie up the environment that has the most to offer in respect of this type of employment, with more red tape.

Rather than using the big clobbering stick on employers, the Republicans would consider policy that will encourage flexible working arrangements, for example, assisting employers with the extra costs associated with job-sharing or part-time roles.

“The bill wastes an opportunity to provide real solutions, not only for children and the family environment, but also for women and men who want to develop careers and benefit our social development,” says Laven.

ENDS

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