Many of us envy those in celebrity jobs. While we are forced to drag ourselves around the job centre in search of a new job, A-listers need only feign an interest in a subject before having several job offers come along at once.

But while it is easy to accuse celebrities of being part of a back-scratching culture, where the job search is conducted more by executives than the candidates themselves, they by no means have it all.

The government recently announced that flexible working rights for parents are to be extended to include those with children under the age of 16, expected to benefit an estimated 4.5 million in their jobs when they come into force in 2009.

Government officials have even suggested that those of us in meagre jobs for small businesses are more likely to be offered flexible working by employers.

Ok, it may pale into insignificance when compared to the luxury pay-cheques offered to stars such as Jordan or Kelly Brook for one photo shoot, but some things just don't have a price.

This is where perhaps the celebrities deserve our sympathy. For it is unlikely that when filming their documentary either Katie Price and Peter Andre have as much flexibility as an ordinary person.

Indeed, the nature of the show itself blurs that divide between the couple's private and public life.

But this is not to suggest that either of these tabloid stars would be refused flexible working on the basis of their job role or fame - that would of course be illegal.

Rather, if former Mysterious Girl singer Peter were to ask for some private time to deal with a personal problem without the cameras, it would likely require some contractual concession or other from the producers.

Although, this shirking of camera duty might also impact on future job prospects too - celebrity is of course no part time job.

Undoubtedly there are exceptions to the rule, but in short, the new flexible working legislation is perhaps one instance where many celebrities will be envious of the common British employee, who is more likely to be able to take advantage.