More parents seeking flexible work conditions

16:30 1st June 2009

A greater number of parents are looking to work for an employer who offers flexible work conditions, according to Working Families.

The organisation, which helps parents, children and employers strike a healthy balance between work and home lives, said that with the uncertainty of the recession many businesses could benefit from offering their staff greater flexibility.

Sarah Jackson, chief executive at the organisation, said that employers could be particularly sympathetic when women return from maternity leave.

Ms Jackson said: "A good family-friendly employer will be offering flexible working on return from maternity and some of the larger players have got the resources to offer maternity coaching [and] buddying schemes."

Computer training could help staff to learn how to adapt to remote working, which involves using the internet to work from home.

Parents with children aged 16 or under now have the right to ask their employer for more flexible working hours, according to Business Link.