Bermuda has a greater percentage of working women than any developed country in the world, according to a Government Minister.

However Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness warned that more working mothers could place a serious strain on the family unless action was taken.

Now he is calling on men to take a bigger role within the family and is asking employers to investigate more flexible working conditions for mothers.

He also suggested formulating a new benefit package called Flex-Benefit programmes which offer employees greater choices.

Mr. Edness was speaking as the United Nations was celebrating International Day of Families yesterday.

According to figures, 69 percent of women in Bermuda who can work, do have jobs compared with 45 percent in the UK, 57 percent in the US, 58 percent in Canada and 56 percent in Barbados.

However Mr. Edness said: "The traditional role of women in the family has always been the primary nurturer of children.

"Now that a greater percentage of women are involved in the workforce than previously there are serious implications for the family in Bermuda .

"This impacts the overall contact between children and adults and creates major social ramifications.'' The Minister added: "These changes in our society impose a great responsibility on employers and employees and I would urge them to come together to consider ways to address this reality and find solutions to strengthen the important obligation of the family to children.

"The male attitude, which is changing, must change faster toward sharing those responsibilities of running the home than was previously done.'' He said that in Bermuda many households are directed by single-income mothers and that younger mothers often strained their work benefits to adjust to the needs of the family.

Many single mothers were solely responsible for paying their child's overseas education and many older working mothers had no company pension or benefits programme.

In addition, said the Minister, single working mothers often lived with their parents -- helping to disguise poverty.

Mr. Edness suggested that organisations "must pay attention to all their employees' needs to help them work more productively''.

He suggested taking action in ways including: Offering flexible benefits and services and helping employees to take care of family responsibilities.

Offering more health and wellness programmes as well as more on-site and sick child care.

Part-time work to provide more options for expanded maternity and paternity leaves and more financial planning for work and retirement years.

"Organisations need to design Flex-Benefit Programmes,'' said Mr. Edness.

"People's needs vary greatly depending on their age, marital status, living arrangements and on whether or not they have children.

He said the programme offered choices including medical, dental and disability coverage as well as vacation, sick and personal leave, wellness and recreational options, parental care and planning accounts for dependent children.

Mr. Edness added: "Today we celebrate the Bermuda Family. We celebrate those noble men and women who work tirelessly to keep the family together. We must do all that we can to protect and assist families.

"It is my view that collaboration around this critical issue will bear fruit for our community and help to strengthen the Island's families.''