'Few parents' to make flexible working requests

Date: 30th April 2009

Few parents are likely to make requests for flexible working arrangements despite new regulations, it has been found.

An investigation by Croner, an employment consultancy, found that almost two-thirds of full-time employees with children up to the age of 16 were happy with their current working patterns.

The research showed that only about 17 per cent of working parents were considering making a request.

Gillian Dowling, employment technical consultant at Croner, said: "Despite the effort that has gone into making it easier for parents to have the opportunity to work flexibly, parents won't be taking advantage as many are already happy with their current arrangements."

She added that this would come as a "welcome relief" for small firms, such a sole traders and partnerships, concerned over the effect the changes may have.

Meanwhile, a recent study by the Confederation of British Industry revealed that 51 per cent of businesses were looking to implement more effective training schemes during the recession.