Small firms could be missing out on a large pool of talent because some new mothers do not feel able to return to work, a new survey shows.
The study, conducted by WorkingMums.co.uk, reveals that 72 per cent of mothers feel the lack of available and appropriate flexible jobs is the greatest barrier facing them when they look to return to work.
It also found that more than half (55 per cent) of respondents did not return to their original post after maternity leave.
The research also indicates that 47 per cent of new mothers do not even ask about flexible working options, despite the fact that 57 per cent of those who do are able to reach an agreement with their employer.
Gillian Nissim, founder of WorkingMums.co.uk, said: "There remains a large number of women who continue to be unaware of their rights to work flexibly or unable to discuss this with their employers."
In related news, a study by law firm Peninsula has revealed that four-fifths of men have been sexually harassed by a female co-worker.
