New contact a family survey

A survey of over 900 parents of disabled children on the effectiveness of the new law on flexible working, introduced a year ago in April 2003, has been undertaken by Contact a Family, the national organisation for families with disabled children.

Entitled Flexible Enough? Employment patterns in families with disabled children, the findings demonstrate that those who have asked for more flexible employment patterns have found it a positive experience, which has decreased their stress. However, the research also shows that there is clearly a good deal more work to be done in terms of further raising awareness of a parent’s right to ask.

For example:

Only half (52%) know that the provisions apply equally to men and women

Only 49 per cent know that the law does not only apply to families with children under the age of six.

A higher percentage (64%) know that the law applies to parents of a disabled child up to the age of 18.

As well as dealing with the levels of knowledge about employment law provision, the survey extends its research to parents’ experiences of asking to work more flexibly, the reasons for not asking to work flexibly and experiences of employer refusal and agreement. One chapter is devoted entirely to the experiences of fathers. The main problems of combining work and caring are addressed, together with what is needed from government to make things better.

The main issue (50 per cent) for parents is childcare. Taking time off for hospital visits and appointments is a problem for 30 per cent. Fourteen per cent say that the main problem is a lack of understanding and flexibility by employers.

Parents are asked what is needed from government. One major issue is the need for more publicity and information about rights. Over half of respondents (55%) also call for changes in the law - such as paid time off for accompanying children to hospital appointments or making flexible working an absolute right for parents. Child care improvements are called for by 20 per cent and 11 per cent of people mention financial improvements.

This is a most valuable piece of research and gives us an insight into the problems working families with disabled children are facing in spite of the new laws. says Francine Bates, Chief Executive of Contact a Family. A parents’ ability to work outside the home is important as a wage or salary helps them to meet the extra costs arising from having a disabled child. But many simply do not know enough about employment rights and the benefits and tax credits that they can claim to help them find and keep a job.

We are therefore very pleased that the DTI is showing such a commitment to flexible working and to helping us increase public awareness. We would urge parents who would like advice about their rights to ring the Contact a Family Freephone Helpline 0808 808 3555.

A full copy of ’Flexible Enough? (49 pages) is available at a cost of 5 from Contact a Family, 209/211 City Road, London EC1V 1JN or on the website