Posted By john ridley
It's a nightmare!

You don't say what the job tasks are Sophie but if it is DSE work whether rightly or wrongly the way my organisation sees this is that if the workstation is a temporary workstation and not a permanent one e.g. they work at home for no more than two days a working week, then it is not subject to DSE requirements. If it is a permanent arrangement then it becomes a workplace and subject to all the requirements of H&S regulations including Workplace and DSE regulations. This will all involve issues such as cleaning, space dimensions, lighting, temp, furniture, environmental conditions, conditions of floors etc. etc. they all come into the equation.

The homeworkers could be trained to conduct their own risk assessments but on completion any recommendations made, if accepted, will have to be implemented. Please be aware that any non-employee at home who is subjected to an accident in any way related to a work activity, then it becomes a workplace accident and subjected to all the legal effects and insurance requirements. Obviously your insurers should be made aware of your "homeworking" policy. I would definately advise public liability insurance for third party cover if you haven't already got it.

Personally I think that homeworking, whilst on the face of it sounding attractive, is usually badly thought through and, as a result, a legal compliance nightmare.

However, other might disagree?
Good luck
John

Posted By Benedict Thierry
Very interesting.

I have recently been trying to find out about any legal/tax status homeworking may have.

I have been asked to reference my address as "Regional Office" on things like fax sheet headings etc.

Anyone know anything about this?

Benedict

Posted By Sophia masuko
Thanks for all the contributions all the information is proving to be really helpful.I have enough to get on with now.

Thanks
Sophia