Over a third of employers have seen an increase in staff working from home compared with 2022, an Acas survey has found.
News
Cost of living fuels work from home boom
By
on 01 September 2023
Acas crunched the results from 1,015 working adults between March and April 2023. Each person was asked: after the rise in the cost of living to what extent have you seen a change in the proportion of employees working from home in your business? Thirty-six per cent said there had been a rise, 13 per cent of whom said a ‘significant rise’.
Chief executive of Acas, Susan Clews, said the results were “unsurprising”: “For some workers, the cost of commuting is eating into their budgets, while for others, going to their workplaces saves on home energy costs.”
The findings come as a new law could make it easier for people to request flexible working arrangements.
Mums, dads, carers and older workers who need to work flexibly, still fear discrimination or rejection when asking about flexible working in the recruitment process. Photograph: iStock
Although employees have always been legally able to make the request, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, which came into force in July, gives more options. Employers will now have to consult with their staff before they reject a request and secondary legislation will introduce a right to request from day one of employment.
However, unions and campaigners, while welcoming the law, say that more needs to be done. In a joint statement, the TUC, Fawcett Society, Women’s Budget Group and Timewise said that mums, dads, carers and older workers who need to work flexibly, still fear discrimination or rejection when asking about flexible working in the recruitment process.
“To truly meet their manifesto commitment to make flexible working the default, the government must require employers to include all possible flexible working options in job adverts. This is a small, simple change that would make a huge difference to working people,” they said.
Acas is developing a statutory Code of Practice on flexible working to replace the existing 2014 Code, which will set out best practice for employers. Consultation runs until 6 September.
Acas Survey: here
NEWS
Fatal accidents on long-term downward trend, says HSE as annual data is released
By Belinda Liversedge on 02 July 2025
HSE has warned against complacency after its annual statistics released today show that while fatalities have fallen, there are still areas of concern.
"This weather isn’t much fun if you’re stuck in an overheated workplace": heatwave advice for employers
By Belinda Liversedge on 01 July 2025
With Britain facing the first widespread heatwave this summer, the TUC is calling on employers to make sure their staff are protected from the sun and heat. The warning comes as an amber heat health alert has been extended in the South West by 15 hours as temperatures above 30C (86F) are forecast.
“One ill-judged behaviour can decimate a culture”: leaders debate leadership at SHW Live
By Belinda Liversedge on 20 June 2025
“Your behaviour [as a leader] and your words [are so important in creating] a safe space. People underestimate how much [those below you] are looking and watching you [as a role model],” Jonathon Gawthrop, Chair of the MIND charity Mental Health at Work Council said at SHW Live’s leadership panel. “One [ill-judged] behaviour can decimate a culture.”