Editorial Comment:

Introduction: The flexible organisation of work and flexible working time policies are now at the heart of government strategies for the modernisation of the National Health Service (NHS). This research review, which was originally commissioned by the Women and Equality Unit (WEU) and is being jointly published by the WEU and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), examines the implications of the current drive to promote flexible and part-time working, particularly for women, who make up approximately three-quarters of NHS employees. … This report explores why flexible working is an integral part of this strategy; considers what actions have been taken already; and, partly through consideration of the experience of employer labour use strategies outside the NHS, assesses some of the barriers that this strategy is likely to experience. It shows that the NHS is most likely to succeed if it can offer forms of flexible working that are 'family friendly' in ways that recognise the new complexities of family life for both women and men and are 'career  friendly' in ways that recognise women's work and career aspirations. It also points out the dangers of the simple expansion of part-time work without opportunities for career enhancement, training and professional development.