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Proportions of men and women in employment have shifted over the last few decades in the UK – 92% of men of working age were in employment in 1971, compared with 79% in 2008; over the same period, there was an increase of women in employment from 56% to 70%. (1)
Balancing work with being a parent is the reality for most partners. Most men and some women work full-time when their children are pre-school. Generally, most couples find themselves adopting more traditional roles in 'who does what' in the house and as a result gender divisions within the family remain with many women taking the caring role whilst men go out to work.
However, more women work after the birth of their children than in the past and more men share the caring role; family friendly and flexible working policies have therefore become more prevalent. The pressures of balancing caring and domestic work with employment still remains for parents and those caring for elderly or other dependent relatives.
To view current policy papers, research and statistics relating to the work-life balance follow the links below.
1. National Statistics (2009) Social Trends 39 (London: The Stationery Office)
Work-life balance: New research evidence on the links with management and productivity More+
Dads want flexibility not shorter working hours More+
Work-life balance across the life course More+
Long work hours and the well-being of fathers and their families More+
Grandmothers and childcare More+
Working families
Working families helps children, working parents, carers and their employers find a better balance between responsibilities at home and work.
www.workingfamilies.org.uk
DirectGov
The DirectGov website has lots on information for working families including, flexible workin, maternity, paternity and parental leave and flexible working.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/index.htm