By Patrick Stewart, Head of Employment.

It may seem ironic that following the reports last week of bad performance management of civil servants, the news broke today that many will be allowed to work from home during the Olympic Games. However, working from home does not necessarily equate with skiving.

Modern technology allows an individual to have a virtual office at home. Increasingly, senior staff wish to have the facility to work from home when appropriate and to deny this may cause retention/recruitment issues.

What is important is to control the work. There is no reason why someone working from home should not be subject to the same disciplines in levels of work to be undertaken and efficiency in working. Measurement of output is crucial.

Remember, it is also necessary to undertake a health and safety audit of the home working environment. If an employee has an accident while working at home the employer may be liable.

patrick.stewart@twmsolicitors.com