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.