Home-workers need to make sure they are not out of pocket in the event of a claim arising from their work.

They are advised by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to check with their employers to see if equipment loaned is covered and adequate liability insurance is in place.

Self-employed workers also need to ascertain if their standard household policy covers business use.

Malcolm Tarling, a spokesperson for the ABI, said: "If you are working part-time from home, it may well be that your household insurer is willing to extend that cover anyway, but if you're actually setting up a cottage industry of some sort of manufacturing nature, that could be a different matter entirely."

He added that if policyholders kept their insurers informed of the nature and extent of the business use there should not be any problems.

The internet revolution has seen thousands of people take the opportunity of giving up the daily commute but it would appear it has thrown up a completely new set of insurance issues as well as health and safety concerns, which employers and employees need to take seriously.

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