Parents of older children are to be allowed to request flexible working. Currently, parents of disabled children or those under six are allowed to do so, the BBC reported.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said it welcomed the Government's plan to review the situation but cautioned against going too far as this could jeopardise the flexibility allowed to those who are currently eligible.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that the final say on flexible working must rest with the employer. The spokesman added:

"The Government needs to recognise that the reality in a business is that the employees need to be at work to enable the firm to make money, pay their wages and grow to employ others."

And the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the Government should realise that smaller firms were already trying to work flexibly with their employees. A spokeswoman added:

"This review must avoid recommendations which impose further legislative burdens on small business which would harm UK competitiveness."