Finance firms in the UK have been urged to address the levels of sickness absence in their workplace, which studies have shown can be reduced by implementing more flexible operating practices.

A major new project that will enable thousands of people to operate from within their own homes is being developed in China, it has emerged.

Some of the world’s biggest multinational companies have backed the practice of allowing staff to work from home as a way of improving productivity, according to reports.

Businesses in the UK need to understand and begin to leverage the benefits of smarter working practices, according to the UK skills envoy and former director general of the Confederation of British Industry Sir Digby Jones.

Companies across Britain should take steps to implement flexible working practices, such as enabling staff to operate from home, or risk losing their competitive edge, it has been suggested.

Cardiff Council is aiming to leverage some of the benefits of enabling its employees to operate more flexibly as part of a new smarter working plan.

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.

A web-development and internet consultancy firm based in West Yorkshire has outlined some of the benefits its business has benefited from implementing more flexible working policies, including enabling staff members to operate from home.

A UK-based training solutions firm has highlighted some of the potential benefits of ensuring home-based workers have the skills they may need to keep their computer systems functioning properly.

Britain is lacking in opportunities to operate from home and to work more flexible hours, according to one entrepreneur aiming to change the situation.