In 2002 there was an estimated 2.4 million teleworkers in the UK and this figure is set to reach 4.5 million by 2007.

In 2001, there were 2.2 million teleworkers in the UK, and we estimate that the figure for 2002 has reached 2.4 million, representing 8.6% of the total UK workforce. It is estimated that the number of teleworkers in the UK will increase to 4.5 million by 2007, representing 13.9% of the total UK workforce.

(PRWEB) September 21, 2003 --Research and Markets have announced the addition of the "Teleworking Market Assessment 2003" report to their offering.

In 2001, there were 2.2 million teleworkers in the UK, and we estimate that the figure for 2002 has reached 2.4 million, representing 8.6% of the total UK workforce.

The term teleworkers refers to individuals who work from home or another location outside their office, utilising information communications technology (ICT) such as personal computers (PCs), fixed and mobile phones and the Internet. It includes self-employed people and those who work on a freelance basis for a number of companies, those working on a flexible-contract basis or for employers, who allow for flexible working practices away from the office. For this report, the definition of teleworkers does not include homeworkers involved in unskilled piecework or those who are self-employed and working as trades people, for example carpenters, plumbers and builders.

Due to the nature of teleworking, there are large differences in its usage by different industrial sectors. Around two-thirds of all teleworkers are men, and three-quarters of those working in this manner are in the private sector. However, future developments are expected to create more ubiquitous usage of teleworking.

The increase in the number of people working as teleworkers in the future will be closely related to technological developments, which allow greater employment flexibility and freedom.

This report analyses a number of factors that affect levels of telework, including employment trends, demographic changes, technological developments, attitudes in the workplace, and UK- and EU-based legislative changes to employment practices and conditions. The distribution of teleworkers based on geography, socio-economic status, age and sex is also considered. The latter is based on exclusive research carried out for us by ACCESS, the Omnibus Division at BMRB International.

The effects of teleworking on key consumer durables such as information technology (IT) equipment, telecommunications equipment and mobile phones are also considered.

The advantages and disadvantages of teleworking are discussed, with respect to the points of view of the employer, employee or the self-employed. The increased use of teleworking influences a number of related factors, including employment rights, transport policy, urban-rural balance and the work-life balance of individuals.

As a result of government efforts to introduce more flexible working patterns and better access to equipment which allows people to work from home, this form of working will become more widespread in the future. We estimate that the number of teleworkers in the UK will increase to 4.5 million by 2007, representing 13.9% of the total UK workforce.

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REPORT DATA SUMMARY:
Teleworking Market Assessment 2003
Category: Consumer & Personal
URL: www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/36342

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