Homeworkers 'must be insured'

Thu 22 Nov 2007 5pm

An industry body has urged people to check that they are adequately insured before working from home.

Both self-employed people and those working for a company are in need of insurance cover if planning to turn their residence into a makeshift office, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) stated.

ABI spokesperson Malcolm Tarling said that self-employed workers should arrange business cover for their venture before using the home for work purposes, while people in employment should check that they are covered by the insurance policy of their firm.

"The employer is responsible for ensuring the employee has a safe environment to work in, whether that's at home or on their main premises," he explained.

Commenting on the situation for self-employed workers, Mr Tarling added: "If you don't tell your insurer [about working from home] and a claim arises as a result of business use, then your insurance may not cover your claim."

According to guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive, employers are responsible for the safety and maintenance of any equipment which they provide their employees with for the purpose of working at home.

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