General practitioner non-principals benefit from flexible working.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to explore non-principals' working patterns and attitudes to work.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The article is based on data provided by a questionnaire survey. Findings - Gender division was apparent among the non-principals. Males were more likely to work full-time, because their spouses modified their working hours.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: It was impossible to identify all non-principals in Scotland or to compare responders and non-responders, due to the lack of official data. Hence, the results might not be representative.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

More flexible posts would enable GPs to more easily combine paid work with family commitments. It is anticipated that the new GP contract should deliver this.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This was the first time a study of all non-principals in Scotland had been attempted. The findings provide a more comprehensive picture of GPs in Scotland and provide valuable information for policymakers.