Transport minister Norman Baker has urged companies to allow staff to work from home as the cold snap and tube strike cause chaos for commuters.

According to a new study, those workers who have the opportunity to take a more flexible approach to their work are far happier.

The government has announced proposals to allow all employees with children under 18 the right to request flexible working from April 2011.

The fall in the cost of high-speed broadband internet, laptops and telephony systems including VoIP will only add to the ease of home working, experts have suggested.

Not only is working from home beneficial to those who do it, it is also making life easier for those still heading into the office each day, as new research reveals that commuter times have fallen thanks to the rise in home working.

Government spending cuts have led increasing numbers of UK firms to cut costs by encouraging staff to work from home.

A worldwide study carried out by Cisco has revealed that physical workspaces are on their way out, to be replaced by working from home.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps has urged social landlords, councils and housing associations to allow their tenants to set up businesses from home and carry out their work at home.

It is common knowledge that many people find working from home far more suitable for their lifestyle than commuting into an office each day.