Significant number of UK employees worked from home in 2017, TUC reveals

21 May 2018

An analysis carried out by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has revealed that 6.1% of UK employees regularly worked from home in 2017.

In comparison, 5.1% worked from home in 2005, the TUC found.

Its analysis also revealed that 41% of those who worked from home in 2017 were women, and that individuals aged between 16 and 19 were the ‘least likely’ to work from home. According to the analysis, workers aged over 60 were the most likely to work from home.

The TUC also suggested that around four million additional employees would like to work from home for at least part of their working week, but are not currently being given the opportunity.

Commenting on the analysis, Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the TUC, said: ‘Homeworking can improve productivity and it can stop the loss of experienced staff when they need more flexibility for family responsibilities.

‘It has wider benefits too, like less traffic and pollution, more accessible work for disabled people and keeping premises costs down.

‘Many bosses already recognise that homeworking can make staff happier and more effective. But other employers need to catch up. Trade unions can help negotiate homeworking policies that work positively for both employers and staff.’