Nick Clegg unveils plan for flexitime working patterns The Deputy Prime Minister is to set out proposals that give all workers the right to demand flexible working, so people can work at home, reduce their hours or take advantage of flexitime arrangements. Mr Clegg is also expected to unveil proposals to allow mothers and fathers to share maternity/paternity leave just a fortnight after a birth. The new package of employment rights is designed to make flexible working the norm, to encourage more mothers back to the workplace. The Government hopes that by extending such a working pattern to all it will stop it being "stigmatised" and allow grandparents to structure their hours to help with child care. In a speech tomorrow, the Liberal Democrat leader will say: "Right now, parents and some carers can ask for more flexible working patterns - compressed hours, flexitime, working from home, that kind of thing. But people don't always take advantage of it. There can still be stigma attached - especially for fathers. But giving everyone this new right will help drive a culture shift in the workplace. And it will be possible for other relatives, grandparents and even close family friends to change the way they work in order to help with child care. The new rights are expected to be resisted by some companies, but Mr Clegg will also insist: "Ultimately, this change is good for business: firms will be able to retain their best staff. And it's good for our economy: a modern workforce is a flexible workforce. Last month, The Daily Telegraph disclosed that the Coalition is to introduce shared maternity/paternity leave from 2015. Mr Clegg is expected to announce the details tomorrow, explaining that it means "sweeping away the clapped-out rules that make no sense for modern families in a modern economy. Today's households aren't all comprised of one breadwinner and one homemaker - mum in the kitchen, dad in the office. In another speech on Wednesday, Maria Miller, the equalities minister, will set out more taxpayer assistance for those wishing to set up child care businesses. The high cost of child care is seen as a main obstacle for women wishing to return to work, and the hope is that by boosting competition and reducing regulation, the cost will fall.