§ 23. Miss McIntoshTo ask the Minister for Women what recent initiatives she has taken to improve work-life balance for women. [189166]
§ Ms HewittThe Government introduced a package of new laws to support working mothers and their partners in April 2003, including improved maternity pay and leave and the right to request flexible working. We have actively encouraged business to adopt best practice and provide greater flexibility and choice in the workplace. We have invested in child care and continue to do so. Additional funding for Sure Start will support an additional 100,000 new child care places by 2008.