The figures for homeworkers has increased significantly over the last 10 years from 4% of the working population in 1997 to 8% in 2005 totalling 3.1 million workers and is highest in the South East at 10% compared with the North at 6% (Source Office for national Statistics (ONS), October 2005). According to the ONS 90% work in/as managers, professionals, technical or skilled trades.
Unlike past “envelope stuffers” today’s homeworkers often are employed and for employers considering a request to allow for some homeworking careful consideration has to be given.
There is no automatic right to work from home but employees with young children can ask for “flexible working” and the employer must follow the correct procedure to consider and discuss the request.
An unreasonable refusal to allow for homeworking could lead to a claim for indirect sexual discrimination. To reduce this risk please feel free to ask us for advice on the practical considerations an employer should address when considering such a request.
