Avon has launched a UK-wide recruitment drive to sign up sales representatives looking for flexible working.

The cosmetics retailer carried out research showing 70% of new mothers are planning to return to work sooner than they expected due to money problems, but 86% worry there are not enough flexible options to allow them to get back to work.

Anna Segatti, president of Avon UK, said: "What we are seeing is a real blitz spirit, with women jumping into action to help fund their family through the tough times. The main obstacles women foresee focus on finding flexible work, with over half the mums we spoke to worried about managing the school run, kids' sick days and, of course, holiday schedules.

"The cost of childcare also presents concerns for mums, with over half of them worried the cost of childcare will not leave enough money to cover household costs.

"These concerns are what we hear most often from women who have recently signed up to the Avon opportunity, who found themselves in the same position and opted for self-employment to allow them flexibility but strong financial earning potential."