More than 3.4 million people, about 12 per cent of the work force, now regularly work from home and this number is set to rise in the future.
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Expensive equipment loaned from the office, such as laptops, blackberrys and mobile phones are not generally covered by a home insurance policy. This means ‘commercial’ insurance cover is needed.
Chris Caunce, at commercial insurance brokerage Caunce O’Hara, said: “The number of homeworkers, either working as freelancers or working from home for their business is growing all the time but too many people do not have the right insurance policy. This means expensive technology is at risk.
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“Bosses must make sure that their staff have the right insurance cover for business equipment and freelancers should get a specialist policy. Too many people become complacent when they leave the office but the risk of theft and damage to equipment needs to be considered. Although employees will be liable for losing or breaking equipment at home, all too often, bosses end up footing the bill.”