Businesses looking to take advantage of having a more flexible workforce should ensure that relevant health and safety precautions are put in place to protect employees working from home, it has been suggested.

At a recent seminar addressing some of the issues relating to operating from outside an office, Jennifer Armstrong, associate with law firm Bristows, made clear that the health and safety of staff remains the responsibility of employers regardless of their location.

Indeed, Ms Armstrong recommends that home-based working environments are assessed by a company allowing for flexible working and that a system of accident recording is established for those working from home, reports Silicon.com.

"Do not assume the employee will understand the difference between a live wire and a non live wire," the legal expert is quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, a series of events organised by Work Wise UK recently aimed to highlight the potential benefits for the environment and employee wellbeing offered by more flexible working practices.