Written question asked by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 June 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 June 1999. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 June 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what assessment he has made of the benefits to the economy of policies which allow employment to be combined with family responsibilities. - (Holding answer 17 June 1999).

Answer: Miss Melanie Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the benefits to the economy of policies which allow employment to be combined with family responsibilities. [86503] Ms Hodge: [holding answer 17 June 1999]: Family-friendly policies can help to boost the economy by increasing the number of skilled people in the labour market, and increasing the numbers returning to education and training. These policies can enhance financial independence--especially for women--both immediately as they benefit from a higher standard of living, and after retirement as a result of building up a better pension entitlement. And these policies can help increase the sustainable level of employment, and improving productivity, leading to an increase in overall living standards.

Secondary information