Call for 'cancer parents rights'

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Parents of children diagnosed with cancer should be given an automatic right to flexible working, a charity says.

Clic Sargent said the law which demands employers seriously consider requests for flexible working is insufficient.

A poll of over 50 families of children with cancer found many used their holidays, cut their hours or left their job altogether for caring reasons.

The Confederation of British Industry said the current law was working well.

Parents are not in a fit state to negotiate and employers don't have to agree to it Dr Carole Easton, of Clic Sargent <a href="/1/hi/health/6211524.stm" class="">'I was left high and dry'</a>

Dr Carole Easton, the charity's chief executive, said: "Currently there is a right to request flexible working but it doesn't suit everyone.

"Parents are not in a fit state to negotiate and employers don't have to agree to it.

"Many parents just cannot keep on working, even flexibly , especially in the short term, as their child undergoes intensive and often prolonged, life-saving treatment.

"Where can a parent be but with their child at this time? This instinct and obligation of a parent to protect their child is never stronger than when their child faces a life-threatening illness like cancer."

Struggle

However, a poll carried out by the charity revealed many parents struggle to get flexible working.

Nearly half of parents said they had to use their own holiday entitlement or sick leave to care for their child and take them to hospital, while 56% had cut their hours and 42% had given up work.

The charity said parents needed to be given an automatic right to flexible working and time off.

But the suggestions have been dismissed by industry representatives.

A spokesman for the Confederation of British Industry said flexible working was a success with 94% of requests accepted in whole or in part.

"This is because employers and staff are encouraged to work together to find a solution suitable to both.

"But any further extension must be carefully thought through."

He added it would not be possible to have an absolute entitlement and "still run a business".