The world of work is changing with the increasing number of flexible employers, who use casual labour, and of flexible workers, who are engaged in flexitime or home-based work. Predictions for the impact of such changes are both optimistic and pessimistic, but it is clear that there will be implications for rehabilitation from the growth of flexible work. Flexible work, with greater job insecurity and need for occupational health protection, may increase instances of ill-health and loss of wellbeing. At the same time, computer-based and home-based work may open up new opportunities for chronically sick and disabled people to compete as teleworkers in the open labour market. This article offers a sociological examination of the effects of flexible work and suggests areas of importance to occupational therapists.
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