Government proposals to improve the ability of IT contractors who are mums and dads to take advantage of flexible working are "welcome", a leading union has claimed.

Brendan Barber, general secretary of the TUC, claimed that this news will come as a relief to working parents who are worried about whether they will be able to spend time with their new child.

He said that ministers are considering extending the scheme to allow those with children over five to take parental leave.

"Any moves that make it easier for men to get more involved with the care and development of their children are to be welcomed," he asserted.

Mr Barber also explains that businesses will be targeted with information designed to highlight the benefits of flexible working.

Flexible working can include working part or flexi time, homeworking or job sharing and annualised, compressed or staggered hours, although there are numerous other types that can be suited to particular projects.