Prices at the petrol pumps rather than eco-friendly intentions are leading to a surge in people working from home, according to a West Midlands IT expert.

John Dixon, the managing director of Coventry-based Computime, said that more and more clients have been looking to offer staff remote working opportunities over the past 12 months.

He said the rise in fuel prices was playing a big part in that.

Dixon, who has run the Earlsdon company for more than 20 years, said: “There is no doubt that many company owners and directors do have very good intentions when it comes to the issue of being green.

“But that does not always translate into practical steps that will reduce carbon footprint unless the bottom line is being affected.
“In the past year or so, the rise in petrol, diesel and other fuel costs has really started to take its toll and it has led to companies looking at ways of taking up the opportunity to have staff work from home.

“If you are the director of a company, it’s much more sensible to tap into the office network from home rather than to drive several miles to get there if it can be avoided.

“When this happened previously, it was just a matter of convenience rather than actually being considered a cost-saving exercise when it comes to fuel. Now, the cost element is definitely an issue.

“And with wage demands on the increase because of rising fuel prices, offering this option to some staff makes better financial sense.

“This type of requirement is being requested more and more by our customers and, while they are happy that it is good for the environment, the cost is the biggest factor.

“Of course, the days of the physical office are by no means numbered but certainly for many companies this type of working is only going to become even more popular."