Lack of able staff to cover is main reason for flex working refusals.

While 32% said this was the reason requests weren't granted, 87% of employees who have requested to work flexibly have been accepted. Over a quarter (29%) asked for flexible working to meet childcare responsibilities, while 17% wanted to gain a better balance between work and home life. Some 3% even asked to change their working to reduce stress levels.

• The CIPD/Hammonds' Flexible working and paternity leave survey can be downloaded from www.cipd.co.uk/surveys