The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) has called on the government not to delay the implementation of the current proposals for flexible working.

It follows plans by the government to amend and extend the right to request flexible working, but the CMI wants it to go further by extending the right to request to all employees, not just those with children up to the age of 16.

A CMI spokesman said: “In light of the recent debate over a possible delay to the proposed extension of flexible working rights, we urge the government to implement the current proposals without delay.

“Despite the current economic downturn, the institute’s recent survey found that 47% felt that the proposals should be introduced without delay.”

The institute’s comments are based on new research which shows that only 29% currently support the idea of delaying the government’s proposals to extend flexible working and more than half (57%) want flexible working.

Figures also reveal that 89% of managers regularly work over their contracted hours with unpaid overtime effectively giving 40 days free work to employers each year. The CMI is also calling for greater emphasis from the government about the benefits of flexible working.

The CMI spokesman added: “The institute’s support takes into account the fact that the right to request remains precisely that: a request, which may be legitimately declined on the basis of business needs.

"Flexibility works both ways and needs to reflect a dialogue between the employee and employer.”