Codestone

Category: Workforce Mobility

Home working rates were affected during the recent economic downturn, with growth stalling slightly during the period.

According to recent data from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), last year, there was a small dip in the proportion of people working from home, perhaps using remote access software.

In 2010, the proportion fell from 12.9 per cent to 12.8 per cent, with the number of people home working rising by only 10,000.

This is compared to the period between 2005 and 2010, when the total number of home workers hit 3.7 million.

"Over the last five years, more employers and staff have embraced working from home, though recent job insecurity has made some staff reluctant to ask for it," said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.

He added that the "tough economic climate" should provide an impetus for people to try home working.

Peter Thomson, research director for the Telework Association, said last week that some employers are still reluctant to allow their employees to work from home, even though the evidence suggests increased productivity is achieved.

Posted by Shannon Well