Homeworking: Increasingly the norm

Tue 12 Aug 2008 at 4:00 PM

Homeworking is becoming increasingly popular according to details revealed by mobile phone firm Orange.

It said more than half of its contractors work outside of traditional offices, of these a quarter had offices but adopted flexible working practices.

The firm claims there are "record numbers of small businesses quitting offices to cut costs".

Owners of those still tied to more traditional office set-ups are keen to look at other options – two-thirds said they were considering changing within a year.

Much of the homeworking trend has been helped by widespread broadband connectivity and workers' increased technical abilities.

The European Commission recently announced more than half its members are regular internet users.

Of 250 million people, 80 per cent have broadband with 60 per cent of public services available online.

Call centre jobs in Liverpool rely on internet connectivity and efficient computer systems to provide customers a professional service.