Blog
Welcome to our blog where we explore news, policy developments and best practice ideas relating to how parents and carers can fully meet their work and caring responsibilities, and how their employers can best support them.
In the interests of open debate and the exploration of new ideas, any views expressed here may not necessarily represent the formal view of Working Families.
Creating a return to work plan: what to think about
When it comes to returning to work the priorities for most people are getting your childcare in place and agreeing a date and any changes to your working arrangement with your employer – what else is there? It may be as simple as that, but as Catherine Oliver, author of the new Amazon bestselling book…
It’s not excessive, it’s time to deliver better maternity pay
It’s such an incredible shame to have to read about a potential leader of the Conservative Party telling the media that she feels maternity pay is excessive and that people should exercise more personal responsibility.
It’s a match! How two job sharers have made a successful partnership
Lisa Watch and Rhiannon Clapperton job share the role of Director of Policy and Communications at Kinship, the national charity that supports and advocates for kinship carers in England and Wales. Lisa and Rhiannon have been successfully job sharing senior roles together for the past five years, so we spoke to them about what makes a successful match and what they have discovered about job shares since working as partners.
Q&A with new Vice Patron Una O’Reilly
Una O’Reilly has worked extensively in both human resources and organisational development across hospitality, construction and property, with a track record of creating award-winning people practices that promote inclusivity and engagement.
Returning to the office – where do I stand?
Across the nation, employees are finding themselves in the middle of a U-turn on flexible working. Despite many organisations reaping the benefits of the shift toward flexible working that was kickstarted by the pandemic, many corporations are mandating employees back to work by rolling out Return to Office (RTO) policies.
Caring Aloud – Eleanor’s story
In the next of our Caring Aloud series we hear from Eleanor, who shares the experience of caring for her friend with a mental illness and describes it as ‘my toughest challenge and greatest honour’.
Beyond the four-day week: why flexible job design matters for everyone
The four-day week is making headlines, but is it the right solution for everyone? In our latest blog, we explore why flexible job design—tailored to individual needs—is key to creating a future where both employees and employers thrive.
Navigating childcare challenges – Hayley’s story
Hayley tells us about the childcare challenges she has faced in returning to work after having her little boy.
Caring Aloud – Johanna’s story
In the next of our Caring Aloud series we hear from Johanna, who talks honestly about how tough life can be when you’re caring for a disabled child, and how a lack of suitable childcare has prevented her from being in work.
Caring Aloud – Andrew & Joanne
In the next in the Caring Aloud series, we hear from Andrew, one of our Parent and Carer Advisory Panel members. He talked to us about the struggles he has faced in finding employment that fits around caring, and how his experiences have mobilised him into action to make positive change for carers.
Postnatal depression: what you need to know when returning to work
For some women, being back at work can aid recovery but for others, they’re not able to return to work for some time. Our helpline regularly takes calls from women suffering from post-natal depression who worry about their return to work.
100 Days of New Government: Working Families’ hopes for working parents and carers
With the leaflets now recycled, the polls firmly closed, and a new government in place, Working Families are looking ahead to what we would like to see the new government deliver in its first 100 days.