Fawcett Society chief Jemima Olchawski said workplaces have been structured around “outdated stereotypes that assume every household has one male breadwinner and one female homemaker.”

She added: “We know that too many women feel they have no choice but to accept lower-paid, lower-quality work in exchange for flexibility.

“A need for flexible working arrangements, whether it be due to caring responsibilities, disability, or simply a desire to rebalance work and life, should not mean the end of career progression.