The number of women out of work increased by 21,000 to 1.05 million in the period from April to June. This is the highest rate of unemployment for women since May 1988 according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics.

Lisa Rout, Business Development Executive, FranchisingWorks says ‘Many women find that standard 9-5 jobs can be difficult when taking into account issues around childcare. Franchising can offer women a route into self-employment, where they will be given support and training. Many franchise businesses are particularly suited to working from home and can be run flexibly to suit a work-life balance.’

To find out more about one woman the programme has already helped, who was looking for a better work/life balance, click here.