Only
one in 10 accountants will not take advantage of new flexible working laws
because they fear it will damage career progression.
That
is one of the major finding in a survey of more than 5,000 accountants, by
recruiter Robert Half.
While
more than half of the sector’s workforce were aware of the new provisions in
the Employment Act, and 46 per cent said they already worked flexibly, only a
tenth would consider asking for flexible hours under the new regulations.
However,
women are starting to make an impact in the traditionally male-dominated
industry, with 38 per cent of respondents being female, and 52 per cent of
those working towards qualifications compared to 48 per cent of men.
More
women are also entering the profession, with 59 per cent of accountants under
the age of 25 female, compared to 41 per cent male.
The
profession overall is getting younger with the majority (42 per cent) of
accountants now aged between 26 and 35 with just 19 per cent over 46.
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