Despite the projected increase in the number of people working remotely in the next year, employees working from a distance are more likely to be overlooked for promotion, it has been reported.

A recent survey by BT revealed that although more companies were adopting government legislation to allow for flexible working, many home workers and similar remote workers will result in many being neglected by bosses and IT support.

It added that 23 per cent of employees are worried that co-workers would accuse them of not working hard from home, with another 47 per cent missing the atmosphere of the office environment.

BT added: "Information and communications technology has provided the means for millions of people to work remotely yet many businesses are hampered by outdated management techniques."

A blogger on the Weekly Gripe noted that there was a distinct issue of trust when it came to managing home workers, with the situation made easier if the individual worked in the office to begin with to allow face-to-face interaction.