If the government decides to delay the extension of flexible working rights to staff at business insurance holders' premises this could impact on its child poverty pledge, an organisation asserts.
Other postponements of legislation, such as increases to statutory maternity pay and allowing the transference of maternity leave time to fathers, are also concerning, the Trades Union Congress claims.
Brendan Barber, the organisation's general secretary, says the authorities would be foolish to lose the momentum it has obtained by improving workers' rights.
He states: "Some say that businesses cannot afford family-friendly policies … The right to request can't be that costly if nearly nine in ten employers claim to operate flexible working practices."
Mr Barber comments that the government must assert its commitment to closing the pay gap if it is serious about tackling these issues.
The TUC has also criticised the Confederation of British Industry's opposition to bonuses, tax havens and regulation, suggesting these are not in the best interest of business insurance holders.
