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Call to make flexible working the 'norm' as thousands of mums' requests are denied

Families Policy & Politics Business
Half of mums that responded to a survey by the TUC (Trades Union Congress) and Mother Pukka said that their current employer had rejected, or only accepted part, of their flexible working request.
The TUC and Mother Pukka survey found that more than 6,000 mums have had their flexible working request denied or only partially accepted PHOTO Adobe Stock
The TUC and Mother Pukka survey found that more than 6,000 mums have had their flexible working request denied or only partially accepted PHOTO Adobe Stock

Almost 13,000 working mums took part in the survey which ran between 19 August and 26 September.

Under current UK law, all employees have the legal right to request flexible working after 26 weeks in a job. Employers must deal with requests in a ‘reasonable manner’ and can only  refuse a request if there is a ‘good business reason’ for doing so. One flexible working request can be made every 12 months. There is no right to appeal.

Of those that took part in the survey and are already working flexibly, the majority (86 per cent) said they have faced discrimination and disadvantage at work due to their flexible work arrangements.

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