MPs from the ruling Labour party are siding with the opposition to support a draft law which would give people the right to work flexible hours and at home.

Labour and Socialist MPs said on Thursday they support the plan, drawn up by the Christian Democrats and left-wing greens GroenLinks. The Liberal democrats are also ‘positive’ about the proposal, news agency ANP said.

The bills’ initiators say it will enable workers to better combine work and care duties. Employers will have to give serious consideration to the request for more flexible hours but will be able to refuse to grant it if there are serious reasons not to.

CDA MP Eddy van Hijum says it is important these issues are discussed at work given the pending cuts in spending on healthcare and social security.

The cuts will, for example, require greater input from friends and family in looking after ill or infirm relatives.