Home-based staff move

Staff at a Wyre Forest District council could be allowed to work from home in a move expected to boost productivity by more than 15 per cent.

A pilot study revealed officers believe allowing staff to work up to four days each week from home could also cut costs and increase job satisfaction.

Staff in building control, licensing, council tax and environmental health road tested the initiative over the last 12 months. An investigation into the quality and amount of work they produced showed productivity increased by an average of 15 per cent per person.

Mike Parker, planning and regulatory services chief, said staff suitable for the scheme will be classed as either 'fixed' in their office, 'at home' for the majority of time, or 'from home' a few hours each week. Those who spend their time on site or visiting clients will be classed as 'mobile.'

Those who can work from home will be given mobile phones and an annual housing allowance of £156 to fund extra heating, lighting and water. Some staff will also be provided with high security broadband internet connections.

Broadwaters ward Councillor Kenneth Stokes, who has worked from home in the past, said: "I can understand why productivity increases by 15 per cent because when you're sat at home and you remember something you should have done you go and do it."

However, Cookley ward Councillor Chris Nicholls supported the scheme. He said: "I know people who work from home for other local authorities and they sing its praises. They say they just get on with the work they have to do."