Codestone

Category: Workforce mobility

The importance of remote access software has been highlighted by the severe weather affecting the UK, with organisations emphasising the benefits of provisions for home working.

According to the Forum of Private Business, one day of employee absenteeism could cost the economy as much as £230 million.

Research manager Tom Parry explained that contingency plans such as a home working option should be in place to cater for the possibility that freezing conditions could prevent people from commuting.

"Employees make businesses grow and losing key staff because of the weather, even for just a day, is very damaging, particularly in the current economic climate," he said.

Meanwhile, the Trades Union Congress advised firms to allow those who are able to work from home to do so.

General secretary Brendan Barber noted that lines of communication are important, with employers and workers keeping each other informed as to whether it is safe to commute to and from work.