HC Deb 05 March 2002 vol 381 cc257-8W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister 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. [35355]

Mr. Leslie

The Cabinet Office currently employs 12 members of staff on a job share contract.

The Cabinet Office is committed to supporting part-time working, job sharing and other forms of alternative working patterns. The flexibility of the pattern is decided in conjunction with local management to suit an individual's need and the needs of their work.

Information on the percentage of vacant positions opened up to job shares is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, since September 2001 it has been my Department's policy that all vacant posts will normally be open to any alternative working pattern, including part-timers and job sharers. The majority of posts advertised in this period will, therefore, have been open to job sharers.