KUWAIT CITY, Aug 25: A study is being conducted to change the official working hours in the public sector -- 9:30 am to 5:00 pm with one hour break in the afternoon for parents to take their children from schools to their homes, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. Sources affirmed the concerned authorities are currently finalizing the study, which will be submitted to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) and then to the Council of Ministers for approval.

The study aims to determine the most appropriate way to change working hours in the public sector; such that the working hours are more flexible, effective and productive while taking into account the needs of public institutions and government agencies, as well as that of the people.

Sources said the study also addresses other issues concerning employees, especially mothers; as it consists of a proposal to establish nurseries in public institutions depending on the number of employees who have young children. Sources pointed out one of the advantages of the proposal to change the working hours in the public sector is that the schedule will be similar to the private sector; thereby, creating an equal ground between the two sectors and encourage young citizens to work in the private sector.