Most businesses in Sussex are still reluctant to offer their employees flexible working arrangements, according to figures released today.

The findings come a year after Government legislation gave full-time working parents the right to request flexibility from their employers.

A survey by Lloyds TSB Corporate found 65 per cent of businesses in the region had failed to adopt a less rigid approach to work.

While only nine per cent doubted the potential benefits of flexible working arrangements, many said it was simply impractical for their business. Just under 25 per cent of those polled said they had too few staff to make it work while two per cent said it would be too costly.

Of the companies that had changed, 35 per cent said they had noticed improved staff morale and 50 per cent said it had helped them retain staff. Twenty per cent said greater flexibility had led to increased productivity.

Bill Pike, relationship director for Lloyds TSB Corporate, said:

"Flexible working can foster loyalty, motivation and effectiveness that is crucial for success."

Thursday April 15, 2004