Millions of British employees have backed the environmentally-friendly arguments for increasing the prevalence of home-based working, according to a recent study.

Figures from ntl:Telewest Business show that the majority (52 per cent) of adults in the UK feel that working from home when possible would make them a "greener" person.

But when it came to naming the most important benefits of home-based working, environmental concerns came in fourth place, behind having more time to spend with family, saving money and reducing levels of stress.

"As more employers make home working an option, so employees are recognising the impact that commuting and office environments have on our planet and on themselves," said Stephen Beynon, managing director of ntl:Telewest Business.

"Equally, home working can be positive for employers. If your people work from home more, you’re likely to have a healthier and more productive workforce, as well as lower office overheads," he added.

The ongoing Work Wise UK initiative cites environmental concerns as one of the major reasons for making home-based working a more common practice among British businesses.