§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are employed in his Department on a job share contract; and what percentage of vacant positions was advertised on this basis in the last 12 months. [35357]
§ Dr. MoonieI assume that the hon. Member is referring to civilian employees of the Ministry of Defence. the MOD is committed to the work/life balance of its civilian staff. A range of flexible working patterns including part time working, flexible working hours, home working and job sharing is available to staff by agreement with their management. United Kingdom Defence Statistics 2001, Chapter 2, Section 2.20 shows 4,533 staff (excluding those in Trading Funds) employed on a part time basis at 1 April 2001. Of these, 596 are recorded centrally as being employed formally under job share arrangements. Figures are not available on the number of vacant positions advertised on this basis although our general policy is that, unless specific job requirements prevent it, positions should be open to flexible working arrangements including job sharing.