I am thinking of teleworking. How should I go about it?

• Your organisation may have a teleworking agreement. Obtain a copy and check your entitlements. Discuss the arrangements with your union safety rep.
• Your employer may have ground rules about separating domestic and work tasks, being available when they want to contact you, your workload, and reporting to the office.
• Do you have the minimum necessary workspace at home? The area to be used as workspace should be agreed with your employer beforehand.
• Your employer should visit your home to safety-assess your working arrangements.

You may get less help than you think you should. The Teleworking Handbook, produced by the Telework Association (www.tca.org.uk), points out that half of teleworkers receive no help, or cash support from their employer. For 1 in 3 teleworkers, the 'office' is part of a living room, or the kitchen table.