FLEXIBLE men are helping their partners follow suit, according to a study by Oxford University.

Research conducted by Dr Laura Langner at the university's department of Sociology investigated changes in heterosexual couples' hourly wages once one partner becomes flexible with their working hours.

The study found once men started working flexible hours, their wives' hourly wages inceased by 14 per cent, particularly if they were mothers, after four years.

The husband's own hourly wages also increased during the time period, but by around half the amount.

In her paper published in the journal Work, Employment and Society, Dr Langner said: "The results suggest that men may use flexible working hours as an alternative to part-time work to support their wives’ careers.

"The couple is in a win-win situation – both partners’ hourly wages increase when the man enters the flexible arrangement. It also tells us that employers can play an important role in supporting not just their employee’s but also the whole family’s work-family compatibility."

Dr Langner, who is is a Research Fellow of Nuffield College, a member of the Department of Sociology and Oxford, analysed west german couples entering flexible work between 2003-2011 in her study.

The full paper, ‘Flexible men and successful women: the effects of flexible working hours on German couples’ wages,’ can be read in the journal Work, Employment and Society.