A new survey suggests home-based workers in the UK should take steps to ensure the security of their computers to avoid becoming the "weak link" in their corporate network.

Figures from Sonicwall, a security product supply firm, show that 88 per cent of homeworkers keep their relevant passwords noted down in obvious locations, Computer Weekly reports.

Managing director at Sonicwall Keith Bird is quoted as saying: "One problem that often occurs is that homeworkers tend to operate behind inferior firewalls compared to those used in the office.

"This can often lead to a weak link in the security network, which in turn can lead to unwanted malware and hacking."

However, the recent survey also established that more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of home-based workers in the UK feel they are able to operate more productively than if they were in an office environment.

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health recently gave its backing to initiatives aimed at boosting workforce flexibility.