§ 7. Mr. WicksTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what attention her Department is giving to the needs of those who work and also care for relatives.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Department's policy of encouraging flexible working arrangements is of particular benefit to those who combine work with family responsibilities.
§ Mr. WicksGiven the significance of the worker/carer issue—one in eight full-time employees and one in five part-time employees have caring responsibilities—will the Government introduce firmer employment measures to complement the community care strategy?
§ Mr. McLoughlinThere are a number of areas in which the Government have helped. The Department is always willing and ready to advise employers on the best way to arrange flexibility for people with care responsibilities.
§ Mr. RoweDoes my hon. Friend agree that the community care proposals have already brought into being' an extraordinary range of varied provision for all kinds of people with such difficulties, which are very real? Will he give an assurance that his Department will join the Department of Health in encouraging the further expansion of these very desirable developments?
§ Mr. McLoughlinI give my hon. Friend that assurance.