Part-time work rights for carers

Carers who look after sick or elderly relatives are to be given the right to demand part-time jobs, in a move that could transform their lives as well as recognising their role by law for the first time.

Tony Blair has agreed carers should enjoy the same help in juggling work and domestic responsibilities as parents.

He said today: "The notion is to give [carers] that right to request it from their employers and their employer has then got to consider it.

"There's some financial support and then there is greater flexibility of working too. "

The move could help the five million carers in Britain, many of whom have to choose between working and looking after their elderly relatives.