Flexible working increasing in engineering industry

New research has found that half of UK engineering companies offer their employees the option of some form of flexible working.

Engineering consultancy firm Atkins conducted the survey, which revealed that 40% of firms allow their staff to work from home, Personnel Today reports.

However, one in six engineering companies admitted that it is 'very challenging' to accommodate requests for flexible working, while only 6% of businesses in other sectors say this.

Alana Griffiths, Head of HR at Atkins, told the news provider of the importance of finding flexible working solutions, saying: 'In the engineering and design sectors, the problem of skills shortages is very well documented and it is essential that we look to keep hold of as much of the talent we have nurtured as we possibly can.'

The rise of wireless networking and laptop use has seen the adoption of flexible working practices increase markedly in recent years, but they are not suitable for all industries.