HR news and analysis including:

• equalities groups warn that employees are not taking up their right to request flexible working for fear it will damage their careers
  
• public sector HR has been accused of being archaic by the chief of the PPMA
  
• and Jo Robbins, group HR director at consultancy VT group explains why it is important for employers to help the long-term unemployed back into work.

Louisa Peacock hosts this week's show with contributions from Mike Berry, Greg Pitcher and Rob Moss.