A new report finds key constraints stop APS workplaces from being flexible for women.

The survey by the CPSU found most women working for the Commonwealth want flexibility to work from home in normal work hours, but many are unable to do so.

It was the most common complaint among the 6,400 respondents to the ‘What Women Want’ survey.

Insecure work is an increasing issue for all women across the Australian public sector.

Since the election of the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government in 2013, concerns about insecure work has almost doubled. Women across the APS are worried about their jobs due to the steady increase in outsourcing and average staffing level cap.

CPSU National Secretary, Melissa Donnelly said: “What Women Want details women’s journey to equality across the public and private sector, highlighting the need for government action on gender equity.”

“The survey found that flexible work arrangements continue to be a key issue for women, whether that's negotiating part-time work, or accessing leaves when you need it. These issues are crucial to women's working lives.

“We know that since 2013, 18,908 or 11.4 per cent of public service jobs have been cut under successive Liberal Governments, causing enormous damage to the capacity of the Commonwealth to deliver essential services that all Australians rely upon.

“It’s no wonder women in the public service are worried about their job security,” she said.

“This report shows the real-world impacts of the Government’s obsession with outsourcing, and the flow on impact of the ASL cap.

“The results are clear, public sector women are more than ever worried about their job security. They don't know whether or not they'll have a job next week or next month, and this has huge implications for every aspect of their life.”

A full copy of the report is accessible in PDF form, here.