§ Ms QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what new proposals she has to encourage job sharing. [2157]
§ Mr. ForthIn the deregulated labour market of the United Kingdom more people work in flexible working patterns than in most other European countries. The Government encourage employers to consider the benefits of flexible working patterns, which can be particularly attractive to people who wish to combine a job or career with family commitments. The Department for Education and Employment and the former Employment Department have published a number of booklets, including "The Best of Both Worlds", "Be Flexible" and "Rising to the Challenge", providing information and advice on flexible working arrangements, including job sharing.