As a result, the white paper, entitled "The issues facing homeworkers and how to ensure their health, safety and welfare", says that companies must ensure that facilities and equipment used by homeworkers comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act and other regulations relating to the workplace.

The white paper has been written by Barry Holt, head of health and safety consulting at Cardinus Risk Management.

Mr Holt said: 'The employer is responsible for ensuring the safety of the area of the home in which the employee is carrying out their company work, during the time they spend working there. We have also looked at other welfare issues like stress and loneliness.'

Jon Abbott, managing director of Cardinus Risk Management, said: 'Working from home can have tremendous benefits. Unfortunately, a homeworking culture increases the risk faced by an organisation. The latest Cardinus white paper has been written to help employers identify the risks homeworkers often face and discusses strategies to effectively manage those risks.'

Copies of the white paper The issues facing homeworkers and how to ensure their health, safety and welfare can be obtained from the website: www.cardinushealthandsafety.co.uk or by calling 020 7469 0200.