Some commentators had claimed a change was looming that could be comparable to the industrial revolution.
But the report reveals that just one in 17 British workers are now using new technology to work from home, and most of these are likely to be executives taking work home at the weekend or people, like the self-employed who have always worked from home, the TUC said.
The investigation into teleworking — where people work at home or away from the office using new technology — has found that only six per cent of the workforce (employees and contractors) telework. Most of these are in managerial, professional, professional-related or technical jobs.
Around 60 per cent of people who work from home are self-employed. Just over half are women — many working part time.
The report says that while working from home can be used to balance work and lifestyle, too often new technology is creating more pressure.
'Employees in the UK already work the longest hours in Europe. Now they are expected to take work home with them as well, rather than enjoy the weekend,' TUC deputy general secretary Brendan Barber said.
The number of people teleworking has increased slightly in recent years, but there has not been a major shift in employment from office to home.
Not enough data is available to predict whether the present growth in teleworking will continue, however there are several reasons for thinking that it will grow, the report says.
The technological boundaries are diminishing and computers are becoming cheaper and more powerful. Also the sort of jobs suited to teleworking — managerial, professional and associated — are in growing sectors. Flexibility and cost-cutting are seen as desirable.
Some commentators believe more people will telework as organisations rationalise assets tied up in their buildings.
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Percentage of employees teleworking
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The Facilities Business
