Flexible working : Alternative approaches to employment

Cooperatives

A cooperative is a business which is owned and democratically controlled by its members. Cooperatives are guided by principles of democracy, equality and cooperation and have a strong social or environmental objective. Unlike other businesses, cooperatives share their profits with their members and frequently also contribute a proportion of profits to organisations or causes associated with their aims or ethos.

Setting up a cooperative involves working with a group of people to identify a business opportunity and using each other’s skills to make this opportunity a reality. Like a conventional business, due consideration needs to be given to developing a business plan, marketing plan and identifying financial and legal concerns. Further information is available from Co-operatives UK .

Communes and intentional communities

A commune, or an intentional community, is a community of people who share a common social, political or spiritual purpose. This purpose is often based on developing a different model of living to that of the dominant culture. So for example some communities may be based around principles of sustainable living or around developing spiritual lifestyles.

Members of the community typically work together and share responsibilities and resources. The emphasis within a commune tends to be on the group as a whole rather than on individuals or on individual families. If you are considering this kind of lifestyle it is important to fully research a community before joining to ensure that the group ethos matches your values. Many communities offer interested people opportunities to visit and experience the lifestyle before they join.

Further information is available from Intentional Communities .

LETS - local exchange trading schemes

LETS are locally run not-for-profit schemes enabling the exchange of goods and services without the need for money. Instead of money, members use a system of credits which can be ‘earned’ by providing services to other members and then ‘spent’ on services that other members are offering.

For further information see LETSlink UK .

Self-employment

Self-employment may offer a great deal of flexibility because ultimately it is up to you to decide when and where you will work. Some forms of self-employment will offer more flexibility than others, and this often depends on the kind of business you are running - for example many businesses are constrained by the expectations of customers that they will be open 9am-5pm. Pursuing part-time self-employment alongside other work may also be an option for people who would like to diversify their work, without taking the risk of becoming self-employed full time. Options may include freelance work or setting up a small home-business. Further information is available on self-employment.

Self-employed business opportunities

Setting up your own business can take a great deal of thought and planning. Advertisements that promise ‘earn cash from home’ or ‘be your own boss’ can appear tempting, however you need to be very cautious when looking at these. Adverts which ask you to pay money in advance are often scams and should be avoided. Additional advice on detecting bogus job adverts is available from the Homeworking  website.