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A large number of engineering firms are making moves to adopt flexible working conditions, one new study has suggested.

It has been reported in Personnel Today that research by engineering consultant Atkins found 40 per cent of the UK's engineering firms now offer their workers the opportunity to work from home.

Students studying engineering who are set to begin placements years in September could be interested to hear the study also revealed some firms offered generous holiday entitlements allowing up to 40 days annual leave.

According to the survey, one quarter of companies believe flexible working is an increasingly important method to attract and maintain the best staff.

One sixth of firms said they find it "very challenging" to accommodate such requests.

Alun Griffiths, group human resources director for the consultant, told the publication skills shortages in the engineering and design sectors, are well documented and firms look to keep hold of as much of the talent as possible.

"Our survey suggests companies are beginning to see the importance of offering flexible working, but I think we still have a long way to go to make sure people have a genuine choice," he added.

Meanwhile, earlier in the year the director of BT's employment policy, Caroline Waters, called on business to embrace flexible work practices in order to feel their benefits.

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