WE took to the streets to find out what people thought about the government’s plans to make parental leave more flexible.

Name: Joe Waddle, 51

From: Ipswich

Comment: “My instinct would be to say no, it’s not a good idea.

“Children need routine and to have another person coming in changes that routine and unsettles them.”

Name: Margaret Sadler, 70

From: Ipswich

Comment: “When I had my children we never went to work. Now these youngsters want so much they have to go to work to pay for it. I suppose it would be a good idea for parents now.”

Name: Sarah Walsh, 16

From: Ipswich

Comment: “I think it’s a good idea.

“If you have an equal relationship, it’s quite good to share the responsibility.

“It’s a good idea, why would you not want to do it?”

Name: Brenda Price, 69

From: Ipswich

Comment: “I suppose it is a good idea, not all mums want to stay at home all the time.

“It’d be a good thing to let the other half know how hard it is.”

Name: David Hender, 64

From: Ipswich

Comment: “I think it’s good, if they can afford it that is.

“It’s not always up to the lady, the husband should be involved in a bigger way, I think that would be a good thing.”

Name: Darren Allsop, 43

From: Colchester

Comment: “My wife is having a baby in February and she’ll get the year off, but I’m self-employed.

I’ll only be able to take two weeks and I won’t get paid for that. I think it’s a good idea, if the business can afford it.”