Most working mothers are frustrated at the lack of flexible work available, according to a new survey.

The survey, from jobs board WorkingMums.co.uk, found that 73% felt that the lack flexible jobs is the biggest barrier to returning to work, 86% of mothers would like to work flexibly, while 16% said their request for flexible working was denied.

Only 31% were granted the flexibility they requested, with 26% settling for a compromise.

Gillian Nissim, founder of WorkingMums.co.uk, said: “Working mothers have a wealth of experience gleaned from their other full-time job: being a mother. They tend to have excellent time management skills, are good at prioritising are able to balance a huge number of different tasks and are great at inter-personal skills such as negotiation and patience.”