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The purpose of this study was to explore gender differences in contractual commitments, job satisfaction and spouses' occupation among GP principals in NHS Scotland.

This paper is based on data provided by a self‐completion, postal questionnaire survey. The response rate was 50 per cent.

Males worked more hours than females and were more likely to work out‐of‐hours. Females reported greater job satisfaction but only when they worked fewer hours. Females earned less than males but there were no gender differences in total household income. Both genders planned to retire at 59 years. More males would delay retirement if they could work part‐time. More females than males were in dual‐doctor households. Male respondents in dual‐doctor households were more likely to have modified their working hours or career aspirations than males in other households.

The number of hours worked by GPs is in part determined by the occupation/earning power of their spouse. The number of women GPs is increasing and they are likely to continue to choose to work fewer hours than their male counterparts have done in the past.

This study has attempted to incorporate spouse's occupation/income as a factor in the career choices of GPs in Scotland.

The purpose of this study is to explore non‐principals’ working patterns and attitudes to work.

The article is based on data provided by a questionnaire survey.

Gender division was apparent among the non‐principals. Males were more likely to work full‐time, because their spouses modified their working hours.

It was impossible to identify all non‐principals in Scotland or to compare responders and non‐responders, due to the lack of official data. Hence, the results might not be representative.

More flexible posts would enable GPs to more easily combine paid work with family commitments. It is anticipated that the new GP contract should deliver this.

This was the first time a study of all non‐principals in Scotland had been attempted. The findings provide a more comprehensive picture of GPs in Scotland and provide valuable information for policymakers.