COMPANIES could receive £5,000 to help them introduce flexible working for their employees.

A new scheme aims to give working parents of young and disabled children the chance to spend more time with their families.

Firms have until July 31 to apply for the Challenge Fund, worth £1m over the next year.

Patricia Hewitt, trade secretary, said: "Flexible working are proven ways of tackling common workplace problems such as long hours, absenteeism, high staff turnover and soaring recruitment costs.

"I want more organisations to explore the broad range of flexible working arrangements available to see how their business performance could benefit."

New rights introduced in April this year give working parents with young and disabled children more flexible working arrangements.

Employers wishing to apply for funding can call 020-7804 0660.