If you have children, and particularly if you are a single parent, it is possible that full time employment might not be feasible for you if you’re trying to juggle family responsibilities too. However there are many flexible working options available, which we’ve set out in the information below.

Temporary work – Often you will come across temporary jobs which are available for a set amount of time only, or the time it takes to complete a certain project. Sometimes this will be to fill in for other members of staff, for example if someone is taking annual or parental leave.

Part-time work – Part-time work is often a great way to fit in paid work around your other responsibilities. It will allow you to build up experience whilst getting paid, but will still leave you time to take care of your family and run the home.

Flexible working – Some jobs and employers will offer flexible working arrangements, which means you might be able to specify your available times of work, or work longer hours on some days so you can take other days off.

Term-time work – If you have children who are in school, you might want to look for an employer or role which allows you to work only during the term time, and take the school holidays off. This will allow you to take care of, and spend time with, your children during holidays and will reduce the costs of childcare.

Working from home – This can be a great option if you have difficulties with transport to a workplace. Look for jobs which can be done remotely, perhaps ones which are computer-based and only require a phone line and good quality internet connection.

Holiday work – This is good option for those of you who are studying or in training. During term breaks you could look for holiday-time work, which might be covering other students who work during term time but who have left the local area to go home for the holidays, or jobs which require more members of staff over busy periods like summer holidays or Christmas and New Year.

Job-sharing – Jobs will sometimes be offered as a job-share, which means the hours can be split between more than one employee. If you already know someone who wants to share a job with you, suggest the idea to your employer.

Self-employment – Working for yourself rather than for someone else gives you excellent flexibility. Many people enjoy the challenge of being self-employed, just remember that it includes extra responsibilities such as managing your own time and workload and paying your own tax and national insurance.

Voluntary work – If you’re struggling to get paid work, think about what kind of volunteering you could carry out to boost your skills and experience. Think about the type of paid job you’d like to do and see if you can find a volunteering opportunity that involves developing and using a similar set of skills.

For more information on flexible working options, visit the following websites, which offer advice on things like employment rights, Tax Credits and in-work benefits, parental leave and maternity discrimination.

Government information pages: www.gov.uk/flexible-working/overview

Working Families website: www.workingfamilies.org.uk/advice-information/