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The UK government
has issued a revised edition of its guidance on teleworking in
its booklet "Working Anywhere". Its advice is
very supportive of flexible working. As the foreword from a
brace of cabinet ministers puts it:
"We believe
that exploring the benefits of different ways of working
should be on the agenda of every company. This booklet
introduces various aspects of telework to let you see the
bigger picture and how you can be part of it"
The booklet's 40 pages are
structured into four sections:
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An introduction
to working anywhere
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Information for
chief executives, operational managers, employees and the
self-employed
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"Inside
information" covering a variety of practical and legal
issues such as employment law, health and safety, taxation,
data protection, planning issues and staff training
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Sources for
further information, including contacts and websites.
Throughout, the booklet is
illustrated with short case studies, mainly comprising pictures
and quotations from those involved. The booklet has come a long
way since its first edition. Perhaps the most welcome aspect is
that government departments are working effectively together to
try to promote the benefits of teleworking.
In addition the UK government has
taken steps to encourage new ways of working through green
travel planning and tax incentives. Ironically much of the
"inside information" is taken up with explaining the
complexities and pitfalls of government rules and
regulations.
For those who already understand the
basics, the inside pages and sources for further information
will be the most valuable. The case studies are also useful,
though they would benefit from more hard information on
investments and financial benefits.
As an overview this is an attractive
and well-produced guide, at its best when read from end-to-end.
Treatment of some subjects, though, is a touch superficial and
little is said about the technology issues. Nevertheless the UK
government is to be congratulated for producing such a timely
report.
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