Over 20 per cent of respondents in each organisation stated that they had a longterm illness, health problem or disability. ■ Approximately half the respondents in each organisation had children and at least 15 per cent of respondents stated that they had caring responsibilities for a sick, disabled or elderly family member. ■ At least 90 per cent of respondents in each organisation had a permanent contract. ■ Eighty‐eight per cent of respondents in Private Co. were employed on a full‐time basis, in contrast to 79 per cent in Public Co. In both companies, more women than men worked part‐time. ■ Average tenure among Private Co. respondents was 8.7 years, compared to 8.1 years for Public Co. respondents. ■ Higher proportions of respondents held managerial or professional positions in Public Co. compared to Private Co., which had higher proportions of respondents in skilled trades, services and sales.