Two in five people are unaware of new rights to ask for flexible working arrangements to help with childcare, and many do not believe their boss will respond positively, new research revealed today.
A new law coming into force on April 6 will give parents of children under the age of six or of disabled children under the age of 18, the right to request flexible working. The Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) said its survey of 800 people showed that the public needed more information about the new rights, which will affect 3.7 million parents.
Only one in five of those polled were fully aware of the changes, but most people were strongly in favour when they were given details. The new law aims to give parents of young children more flexibility to juggle home and work lives by asking to start work later, share jobs or even do some work from home.
One in six of those surveyed said their bosses would probably turn down a request for flexible working, although half expected no problems from managers. Workers in London had the least confidence that their employers would allow them to work flexibly.
The research was published as part of an EOC campaign to make people aware of the new law, ahead of a publicity drive by the Government.
Julie Mellor, chairwoman of the EOC said: "We need a radical change of culture in the workplace so that parents feel confident enough to ask their boss for flexibility if they need it. This must be seen as a real option for men too. Our research shows that men are less likely than women to have access to flexible working, even though they are now doing a third of parental childcare. Asking to change your hours isn't a sign that you're any less committed to the job.''
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce said: "Flexible working can increase staff morale and business productivity. Many businesses recruit and retain valuable staff because they are willing to think beyond the traditional Monday to Friday, 9-5.''
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt added: "This research proves how important it is to raise public awareness about the new rights, especially the new paternity rights and flexible ways of working. That's why we are launching a national advertising campaign later this month. The adverts will appear in national newspapers and magazines and will target fathers, mothers and employers too."
Workers must have been with a firm for 26 weeks to be eligible to apply for the new right. Requests can only be made once a year and changes to hours will be written into employment contracts.
The EOC said workers should explain to their employers how changed hours would work, and it would be "good idea" to stress continued commitment to the organisation. Employers must justify a refusal to any request in writing and if they don't follow the correct procedure they could be taken to an employment tribunal.
Last month a poll by marketing analysts Mintel showed that 7 out of ten people believed that the family was the most important "lifestyle priority" and was the biggest motivational factor in people achieving so-called "work-life balance".
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