Working mums need more support, says PM's wife

It could be called stating the bleeding obvious, but sometimes it's useful to have someone of note point out the fact that men aren't stepping up to the plate when it comes to household chores. Cherie Blair told a London conference yesterday that women are still shouldering the double burden of paid work and housework.

Speaking at the left-wing think tank Demos, Cherie said that women were the ones responsible for 'buying children's presents and clothes, making sure the fridge was stocked or writing Christmas cards.' 'A baby is born. A child develops a high fever. The boiler breaks down. A parent suffers a stroke,' she said. 'These are the everyday events that throw a working woman's delicate balance between work and family into chaos.'

On the positive side, Mrs Blair spoke of the growing desire by men to take an active role in parenting, but pointed out that 'due to the stubborn pay gap, inflexible working patterns and an entrenched working culture, men will end up remaining in the workplace rather than sharing caring responsibilities at home.'

• Women Do Twice As Much
• Stay-At-Home Dads
• This Week's News
• What Our Members Are Discussing Today