Less than full time report
The less than full time (LTFT) report is comprised of a series of charts and tables that allow users to review the proportion of LTFT doctors in training by:
- their training level
- specialty category
- deanery/NHSE local office
- country
- gender
- reasons for LTFT.
Users can also view the total proportion of LTFT doctors in training over time.
Data is available from responses to the national training survey from 2015 to 2019 and 2021 to 2026.
LTFT doctors self-identify within the survey by responding to a question asking them whether they formally work on a less than full time basis, which has been approved by their deanery/NHSE local team. All trainees who responded 'I applied to work LTFT, but it was not approved' or 'I considered working LTFT, but I did not apply' when asked about their working pattern were classed as working full time. These trainees are also asked why they considered working LTFT. The reasons for LTFT tab shows their responses as well as those who work LTFT.
| Question name | Question | Answers |
|---|---|---|
| GENHQ150 | Are you formally working on a less than full time (LTFT) basis, which has been approved by your deanery/NHSE regional team? | Yes | No | I applied to work LTFT, but it was not approved | I considered working LTFT, but I did not apply |
| GENHQ151 | In your current post, what percentage of full-time working are you approved to do? | Less than 50% | 50%| 60% | 70% | 80% | More than 80% | Other | Uncertain |
| GENHQ152 | Which of the following best describes why you chose (or have considered) to work on a Less Than Full Time (LTFT) basis? (tick all that apply) | Disability, illness or health related reason | Childcare | Caring for a child with a disability, long term illness or additional needs | Caring for an adult (e.g. a parent, family member or friend) | Other work commitments (e.g. professional development opportunities) | Other external commitments (e.g. leisure, religious or community commitments) | To have a better work life balance | To support my return to work following time out of clinical practice | I'm part of a current (or previous) LTFT pilot offered by my speciality | Other |
| GENHQ261 |
This question is about challenges you may have faced training less than full time in your current post. In this post have you experienced any of the following challenges working less than full time? (tick all that apply) |
N/A - I've not experienced challenges LTFT in this post | Rota design issues | Balancing clinical and academic/research commitments | Balancing work and personal commitments | Financial concerns | Negative workplace attitudes towards LTFT | Changing posts process | Availability of LTFT posts | Administrative issues e.g. annual leave allocation or being paid incorrectly | Other |
| GENHQ259 |
The next two questions are about your experience of applying for less than full time training (LTFT). To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? The application process for LTFT was straightforward. |
Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | I don't know| Not applicable – I don’t remember |
| GENHQ260 | When I applied for LTFT I received clear and helpful guidance from my NHSE regional team/deanery. This may be through a LTFT champion, Training Programme Director or other person. | Strongly agree | Agree | Neither agree nor disagree | Disagree | Strongly disagree | I don't know| Not applicable - I don't remember| Not applicable - I didn't require any guidance from my NHSE regional team or deanery |
Where appropriate 95% confidence intervals are given which allow users to determine significant differences when comparing proportions of trainee cohorts against the UK average.
