Bosses may be fearful of the extension of the right to request flexible working to staff with children up to the age of 16, but employees, it seems, are less worried about asking for flexible working in a recession than might be expected.

In an exclusive poll with Harris Interactive, 44% of more than 550 respondents said the economic climate would make no difference to whether they would request to work flexibly.

A further 20% said they would continue to ask, with just 14% saying they thought the deepening recession meant they would be better off being 'seen to be in the office'. When asked whether they worried about losing their jobs if they asked for flexible working in a recession, just 8% said they did. Nearly two-thirds (62%), said they had changed nothing about how they request it. But nearly a quarter (23%) think their boss regards flexible working as a way of slacking.

Turn to p39 for our special flexible working supplement.

- Date compiled 22-27 January 2009 via the Harris Interactive Online panel. Sample size of 1553 included all GB adults 20-40 years old who are working full time or are in part-time employment. Harris Interactive is a member of The British Polling Council. For more information contact Nikki Bateman at nbateman@harrisinteractive.com

- Given the downturn, are you less likely to ask for flexible working?

44% - said no, the economic climate makes no difference

22% - not sure

14% - said yes, it's better to be seen in the office

20% - said no, I'll continue to ask