Mitel chief attacks UK government teleworking policy

NEWS The sponsor of a national teleworking conference held in London yesterday criticised the UK government's policy on the issue. Speaking exclusively to Silicon.com, Mitel chief Paul Butcher attacked the government claiming it offered words but no action following the launch of an advice booklet by small firms minister Barbara Roche. "The booklet is important and beneficial but the government is not offering any concrete plans and is lacking in anything beyond statements. It's just words not action," said Butcher. The booklet, entitled Working Anywhere: Exploring Telework for Individuals and Organisations, offers legal and managerial advice. Butcher then went on to criticise the government's own teleworking policy.
"I am encouraged that the issue has gained this high profile but even in the government there are only a small proportion of teleworkers which tells the whole story really." The level of interest in teleworking is growing but implementation is still not aggressive enough according to Butcher. He claimed tax incentives rather than advice would encourage businesses to telework. "I'm committed to the fiscal benefit but this booklet only offers general advice and no commercial incentive. We need legislation. In Holland employers and employees are offered tax incentives, we should have something similar here. Instead the government only see their role as offering advice."