Falkirk's growing legion of home workers must be aware of dangers

According to Unite, the rise in home-working caused by COVID-19, means trade unions will have an increasingly important role to play in minimising the dangers and maximising the advantages of working from home.

The union has produced a new framework homeworking agreement to assist Unite workplace representatives in their negotiations with employers.

Sharon Graham, Unite executive officer, said: “COVID-19 is leading to an explosion in homeworking. There are dangers as well as opportunities for workers and it is in everyone's interest to ensure homeworking is introduced properly and fairly.

“Unite has produced a set of minimum standards that we expect all employers to adhere to as part of negotiations. It is important to remember homeworking done badly can lead to more work for the same pay.

“It can also lead to stress and depression, as well as health and safety risks from working in an unsuitable environment.”