TRADE unions urged bosses to get with the times yesterday, after it was announced working from home is on the rise.

The Office for National Statistics said the number of home-workers had hit 4.2 million — a 1.3 million rise since the late 1990s, making up 14 per cent of the total workforce.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said bosses didn’t “trust” staff so force them “to trudge into the office so they can keep an eye on them."

The ONS added that two thirds of those working from home were self-employed.

Advances in easily accessible technology have been the driver behind the change, although rises in self-employment, increased transport costs and an ageing workforce more likely to have mobility problems have also contributed.

Ms O’Grady said: “Employers’ attitudes to new working practices must change” to benefit those facing the challenges of the modern labour market.

Home-working would allow many “to stay in work and continue their careers,” added the TUC leader.