Home Time

Getting the balance right?

BBC Radio 4's Analysis: Home Time was broadcast on Thursday, 3 April, 2003 at 2030 GMT.

What is driving the current debate about work-life balance?

Two decades ago, policy makers worried that Britain's workforce was facing a bleak future of underemployment. However, today the public debate is about the long hours culture. But are we really working harder than ever and, if so, why? And to what extent is the amount of time we spend at work a matter of choice?

Whatever the reality, there is certainly a perception that balancing work and family life is more difficult than ever and the government has been keen to do something to help. So, on 6 April new legislation to help working parents balance employment and family life comes in to force.

But is the legislation necessary? Enlightened employers, trade unions and the government are all keen to stress there is a good business case for acceding to employees' requests for more flexible ways of working.

Perhaps those employers who have not taken the issue of work life balance seriously are simply being short-sighted. Or maybe the business case for flexible working is less robust than the advocates of work life balance policies are prepared to admit.

Frances Cairncross talks to those who are sceptical about the campaign for a better work life balance and to some of the most prominent supporters of more family friendly working, including the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Patricia Hewitt.

Presenter: Frances Cairncross
Producer: Innes Bowen
Editor: Nicola Meyrick