LIB DEM CHIEF OF STAFF GUEST AT SOLIHULL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DINNER

1.55.57pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 30th Apr 2007

Liberal Democrat Chief of Staff, Ed Davey MP accompanied the town's MP, Lorely Burt at informal talks over dinner with delegates from Solihull Chamber of Commerce and Industry at The Renaissance Hotel last week.

Mrs Burt, who speaks for small business on her party's DTI team, joined with former DTI Shadow Minister Ed Davey in discussions about the effects of excessive regulation and tax on business in the borough.

Lorely Burt MP then outlined her Flexible Working Bill in a speech to delegates.

Currently, parents can only request to work flexible hours if their youngest child is under the age of six, but Mrs Burt explained that raising this age to 18 would encourage companies to utilise the pool of talent available, particularly amongst women.

Commenting, Mrs Burt said:

"The lack of flexible working lies at the very heart of economic inequality between men and women. All too often mothers are forced to accept poorly paid part-time work, or give it up entirely, in order to fulfil their child caring role.

"There are too many women in jobs beneath their skill level. The right to request flexible working should ensure that business does not lose out on women's talent and also allow women to fulfil their potential."

"Flexible working can be very good for business. It can reduce absenteeism, increase recruitment and retention and reduce stress, which in turn improves staff well-being and customer service and satisfaction.

"Fears that flexible working rights will damage business are unwarranted. A request can be turned down if a valid business case is presented," added Mrs Burt.

Mr Davey then visited a Young Enterprise Area Competition Final held at ARUP in Blythe Valley Park, Solihull. Four local schools took part: Solihull School, St Martins, Arden and Heart of England.

"It was good to see such strong representation from these Solihull schools," said Mr Davey. "Many of these pupils will provide the enterprise and talent needed to help the local economy grow in the future."