The number of employees who are allowed to work flexibly has increased, with almost half of companies now offering the option, according to a new report.

Research from the CBI found there has been a rise from two years ago when 14 per cent of employers offered flexible and remote working.

Of the 513 organisations asked, 93 per cent now offer some form of flexible working with over half offering three kinds, which can include teleworking, working only in term time or job sharing.

John Cridland, CBI deputy director-general, said: "Employers are embracing the benefits of flexible working, even as the economy heads into more uncertain times."

He added the tradition nine to five day is "becoming more and more blurred".

Companies cited factors such as reducing carbon footprint and reducing problematic commuting as reasons they had adopted flexible working.

Seperate research from Forresters found even though firms are reducing their IT budget they are spending more on outsourcing in order to reduce overall costs.


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