Small businesses which conduct some or all of their tasks from a home need to consider the legal implications of doing so, it has been claimed.
Speaking to Bytestart.co.uk, Sikin Andela, partner at law firm Glovers, explained employers still need to consider health and safety issues regardless of where staff members are working.
She said: "Failure to do this could leave employers responsible for any subsequent medical problems that are a result of a poor working environment or unsafe working practices."
The fact that people are working from home does not mean there is a change in their rights and responsibilities, she added.
Managers should also monitor home workers to make sure they are being productive, Miss Andela added.
Earlier this week, the Chartered Institute of Professional Development claimed that smart working is not yet common place in the UK.
This is despite the fact 92 per cent of firms think that it has a positive impact on their business, the body stated.
