Flexible working could be offered to all parents if the Conservatives return to power.

Speaking at an Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) seminar Conservative leader David Cameron urged UK employers to consider the quality of life for employees and said his party would go further than the current government to promote a flexible work ethos.

Jenny Watson, chair of the EOC, said: “From the factory floor to Canary Wharf, everyone can benefit from a new culture of flexible working.

“Trailblazing employers are offering a wide range of work options such as tele-working and shift-swapping. In return they are reporting increased productivity and improved staff engagement.

“But the reality for the majority of British workers is still presenteeism and long hours. The time has now come for this innovation to spread across the workforce to reach the UK’s 29 million workers.”