With the increase in mothers' employment both the government and many employers are promoting flexible working policies to improve work-life 'balance'. This report considers the effects of these changes on the lives of both women and men. It examines three employment sectors in detail - banking, grocery retail and local authorities.

Drawing on the views of employees themselves, the report:

· assesses the impact of employment breaks and part-time working on the careers of women and men;

· evaluates the effectiveness of work-life balance policies;

· explores organisational cultures and systems and how they affect the implementation of these policies;

· discusses attitudes to career development and its effects on family life.