What is job-sharing?

Job-sharing has obvious benefits if you have to arrange a family life as well as a career. It can also help you to enjoy your work more by letting you share problems as well as giving and receiving encouragement. On the other hand, some people feel less satisfied if they have to share their achievements with someone else. The main drawback to job-sharing is that you will probably have to reduce your income and you may also lose out on promotion in the future.

Job-sharing is growing in popularity and many organisations such as Boots, BP, PowerGen, most of the major banks, and most London local authorities are increasingly offering formal schemes.

Further information

• New Ways to Work, 309 Upper Street, London N1 2TY (020 79 30 33 55) offers information on a range of flexible working patterns to individuals, unions and employers
• Parents at Work, 45 Beech Street, London EC2Y 8AD (020 76 28 35 65; fax: 76 28 35 91) offers advice, leaflets and guides, including: The Employees' Guide to Flexible Working (practical advice on preparing a flexible working proposal and how to approach your manager) #3.99 - #3.50 to members - inc p&p
• Flexibility - the Home Office Partnership
• The TUC