UK companies need to develop a better understanding of how to incorporate flexible workers, such as IT contractors, into their workforce.

This is the view of Work Wise UK chief executive Phil Flaxton, who has been advocating the use of flexible working patterns for some time.

Mr Flaxton says that the world of work is changing, and flexible working is going to be a key component of successful business strategy for UK firms.

Some firms think that changing their working structure may cause unnecessary disruption, but Mr Flaxton does not believe this has to be the case.

"There are many critical case studies out there from large employers who have implemented it successfully without causing widespread disruption to the workforce," he said.

Employment relations minister Edward Davey recently announced plans to create a working culture which offered more opportunities for flexible workers, which could benefit more than 300,000 parents.