More parents need flexibility in the workplace

Over half (57%) of working mums say their career has not progressed since they have had children.

Workingmums.co.uk’s annual survey of over 2,000 parents showed that 59% of mums said flexible working is the one thing that would most help them to progress their careers. Yet, outside part-time jobs, few have access to it.

Some 22% of mums work full time with no flexibility at all. Only 8% work from home occasionally and 3% work fully from home. Just 1% work term time hours or compressed hours.

This compares to 46% of dads who say they work full time with no flexibility. Just four per cent of dads work part time.

The survey shows that 29% of working mums have had a formal flexible working request turned down, with 26% saying they were turned down for a reason not allowed under the legislation, showing the weakness of the current legislation. Forty two per cent had left their job as a result of flexible working being turned down.

The survey also shows:

• 43% of mums say they don’t have enough flex in their job
• Only 7% of parents who work full time are not in favour of a four-day week
• 33% feel discriminated against for working flexibly
• Of those parents on parental leave, 62% say they would consider another job if flexible working was turned down.

Gillian Nissim, founder of workingmums.co.uk and workingdads.co.uk, said, “Our survey shows how significant flexible working is becoming in job searches. The employers we work with recognise this and have been looking at ways to challenge existing working patterns in order to attract and retain the best talent.

“As skills shortages become larger in many sectors, employers should take note of the demand for flexible working and the push for greater flexibility, taking into account all the many forms it can come in.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.