HC Deb 12 December 2001 vol 376 cc909-11W
Mr. Challen

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to encourage staff to work from home; and how many staff do so on a regular basis. [21837]

Dr. Howells

The Department is committed to the work-life balance of its staff and supports a range of flexible working patterns including part-time working, job-sharing and homeworking. Staff are encouraged to make use of the Department's formal home working policy for regular home working. Staff are also facilitated and supported to work from home with their manager's agreement. There are currently seven staff working from home on a regular basis, with resources available to support a further six opportunities. A number of staff throughout the Department also work from home on an occasional basis.

The Department publicises its policy on flexible working and encourages managers to respond positively to requests as part of its commitment to the diversity agenda.