BRITISH bosses are backing policies to help parents to balance their careers with childcare, a Government survey shows.

A Department of Trade and Industry study, marking the launch of new employment rights this week, showed that many companies already had work-life balance arrangements.

The study found that flexible working improved business productivity and was cost effective.

Parents of children under six, or with disabled children under 18, can now make their employer consider flexible ways of working.

New mothers can take six months' paid maternity leave -- with a further six months unpaid -- and new fathers get two weeks' paid paternity leave. The survey reveals:

More than nine out of ten (94 per cent) employers agree that people are most productive when they can strike a balance between work and life.

Four fifths (81pc) of employers who use work-life balance practices reported better employment relations.

Three-quarters (75pc) said they had a more motivated and committed workforce as a result, and 60pc reported reduced turnover of employees.

For more details on the new rights, call 08457 474747 or visit the website www.dti.gov.uk/working parents