Legal issues to home-working, says expert

Date: 18th September 2008

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) should consider the legal issues involved with letting employees work from home, an expert has warned.

For every employee that works from home, businesses must remember that there are specific amendments to employment contracts and insurance provisions that must be made, Glovers solicitors have said.

The company recommends that before allowing an employee to work from home, a thorough inspection of the worker's home is performed for health and safety purposes.

Sikin Andela, partner at Glovers, said: "Swapping the office for the home can allow for a more attractive work/life balance and save on travel costs and rents … However … It's important to remember that employers are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of their employees regardless of where they're working - even if it's their home."

It is also vital that any employees working from home are kept informed of ongoings in the workplace, the company adds.

The final deadline for employers and workers to file their tax returns to HM Revenue and Customs is January 31st 2009.