Lack of flexible working drives a third of parents out of jobs, TUC finds

Lack of flexible working drove a third (33%) of parents with children under seven out of jobs, according to research from TUC. 

Its polling showed 30% had flexible working requests rejected, either partly or fully.

73% of parents said they were more likely to apply for jobs if flexible working was included in adverts. 

53% were unlikely to apply if the working pattern was unclear. 49% said they would not make a flexible working request on their first day. 

18% did not know they had a right to request flexible working. 

48% reported negative experiences, including feeling their opinions were less valued or receiving fewer opportunities.

The TUC stated that flexible working could be a gamechanger for workers with caring responsibilities. 

The union body said high rejection rates and poor treatment showed the need for government action.