A shortage of flexible working opportunities may be keeping more than 25,000 unemployed Scots out of the labour market, according to new research.
Business consultancy Flexibility Works surveyed 208 unemployed adults in Scotland and found that 28 per cent said the option to work flexibly would make the difference in securing a job. Nearly half (48 per cent) said they are put off applying for roles if flexible working is not mentioned in the advert.
The findings come as part of the organisation’s annual Flex for Life report, which highlights the gap between workers’ needs and what employers are offering. While two-thirds of Scottish employees already work flexibly, only a third of job adverts mention it.
The problem is particularly acute for parents. In a separate survey of 318 unemployed parents, 42 per cent said a lack of flexibility around childcare was the biggest barrier to finding work. Nearly half said even finding clear information about flexible working in job adverts is difficult.
Flexibility Works co-founder Nikki Slowey said the issue is about more than workplace perks.
“For many people, flexible working isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential to being able to work at all,” she said. “We’re encouraging employers to promote the flexibility they already offer and explore where more could be built into roles. The evidence is clear – flexible jobs attract stronger candidates from a wider talent pool.”
The research was supported by the Scottish Government, which has pledged to fund pilot projects in 2025-26 to help employers introduce flexible working practices, improve recruitment and provide better support for disabled employees.
For some, the impact of flexible work is life-changing. Single parent Kirsty Emans, 42, had to leave her job after unpredictable rotas made childcare for her eight-year-old daughter unmanageable. She has since found a term-time catering role within school hours.
“Now I can drop my daughter off and pick her up easily, and I don’t have to worry about school holidays,” she said. “It really has changed my life.”
Business and Employment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the research supports Scotland’s ambition to tackle economic inactivity and improve working lives.
“With the limited powers we have, we’ve supported flexible, family-friendly working from day one of employment wherever possible,” he said. “Helping more parents and carers into work is a key part of reducing poverty and boosting our economy.”
