Flexible working rights will be abused by parents, claims Tory MP

An MP has controversially claimed that flexible working rights will be abused by parents.

Brian Binley, the Conservative member for Northampton South, reportedly said employees would skive off work under the pretence of looking after their sick children.

Prime minister Gordon Brown hinted this week that parents of children up to the age of 16 could be given the right to take time off for family emergencies.

But Binley told the Daily Mirror: "Sounds good, but it could well include rights for parents to take time off to look after sick children or to help them during exams.

"I'm all for parents properly looking after children in case of real sickness. But as an employer, I can tell you this will be abused.

"As for time off to support children doing exams, surely there are other ways support can be given without parents neglecting their jobs."