Codestone

Category: Workforce Mobility

Businesses in the UK have been benefiting from remote access and the implementation of home working practices, it has been observed.

John Wright, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), noted that adverse weather earlier this year meant many people were unable to travel.

He called for efforts to be made to prepare the UK for the possibility of heavy snow in the future, but added: "Small firms have shown that they are resilient and resourceful by putting plans in place and offering flexible working hours and remote working."

A survey by the FSB and ICM Research indicated that one in seven employees of small enterprises were unable to make it to work as a result of the snow.

However, more than 40 per cent of firms put plans in place to allow staff to work remotely.

Last month, the Forum of Private Business highlighted the benefits of home working as it noted that one day of absenteeism could cost the UK economy up to £230 million.

Posted by Jack Gilbert