I refer to a letter concerning the half days system of the civil service (June 7).

My view is that there has to be a balanced timetable of working hours throughout the year. The current system does not seem to favour a work-life balance and not just for working mothers.

The fact is that many government employees enrol themselves in courses at the University or elsewhere from October till mid-June. After a long day at work from 7.45am till 5.15pm, not everyone would be looking forward to attending lectures or lessons and then continue studying into the night.

In order to achieve a work-life balance, to be more family friendly, encourage attendance for courses held after office hours and also sporting activities, a reduction of the winter timetable office hours (say from 7.45am to 4pm) is to be recommended.

To compensate for the lost hours from October till mid-June (eight and a half months in all) the summer working hours (mid-June till September) can be extended so that employees start at 7.30 and get off work at 2.45pm instead of at 1.30pm.

The fact is that, in summer, many activities, such as University courses, cease and people go to the beach.

It is known that health-wise, the public is advised not to go to the beach when the sun is at its height.

It is healthier to avoid the harshness of the sun in the afternoon by staying indoors in the coolness of today’s modern devices.