'Vast majority' of UK businesses offer flexible working, research finds

17 Jul 2023

Research carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has found that three quarters of UK businesses now offer flexible working.

According to the BCC's survey, 76% of firms said they offer flexible working options to their employees, including remote working, flexible hours and job sharing.

The business group found that firms in the business-to-business services sector are more likely to offer flexible working than those in the manufacturing and consumer-facing sectors.

However, 19% of micro-firms said they don't offer any form of flexible working.

'With three quarters of businesses saying they offer flexible working, it's clear that it has become part and parcel of everyday workplace practices,' said Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC.

'Wherever possible, employers are willing to support their employees to balance work and other commitments so they can continue in their jobs and advance in their careers.

'Employers understand that flexible working makes good business sense; helping them to attract and retain a skilled workforce. With three in four firms struggling to fill job vacancies, it can help tackle skills shortages by enabling people to stay in work when their circumstances change.'