Latest research reveals that three quarters of working mothers believe that British business does not show enough commitment to flexible working arrangements.

The survey, conducted by advisory WorkingMums.co.uk, questioned over 1000 mothers, and found that 75% of respondents felt so dissatisfied with their current employers that they are in the process of looking for new work. This means that companies are missing the talent of a strong workforce.

With 55% of mothers taking on a different direction in work after having children, flexible working hours are often a determining factor in retaining a position or leaving it. The survey found that 73% of mothers felt the lack of flexible jobs created a significant hurdle in returning to work. 86% of respondents identified flexible hours as the most desirable working condition, with the rate of pay coming second. The majority of respondents reported that their request for flexible working hours had been considered by their employer (84%). However, only 31% of those were granted the degree of flexibility requested, with 24% needing to renegotiate their hours with managers.

The ‘battle’ that some mothers feel they have to enter into to secure flexi-hours is only part of the picture: mothers require the option of increasing working hours as their children grow. But the foundation of mothers confidence to negotiate working hours is related to the amount of contact they sustain during their maternity leave: 22% reported no contact, with a third saying they wanted more contact. The amount also affects how easily mothers ‘fit’ back into the workplace. The survey identified a need for employers to set clear targets, preceded by a series of meetings with managers prior to their return.

The dissatisfaction felt by mothers has lead to an increase in the mumtrepreneur. Racheal Taplin, managing director of advisory group Mums in Control said: ‘We are seeing a definite rise in the mumtrepreneur, as a lot of women find the flexibility they lack in the corporate world in starting their own business. Although a lot more needs to be done to help working mothers, it’s a really positive thing that women are realising they don’t need £10,000s to set up their own businesses. ’

Combing research results reveals that women are stepping out of the credit crunch and finding greater financial security in setting up their own business; structuring their working day to optimise their productivity both in their working life and family life. Mums in Control research revealed that 40% of 255 mothers surveyed agreed with this view. And despite the probability of taking a pay cut whilst their business became established, the ongoing disparity between men and women’s pay galvanised their entrepreneurial project.

Mums in Control (workingmumsday.co.uk) is the UK’s fastest growing online support and advisory service for working mums, with a nationally distributed magazine.

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