AROUND two in five people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole worked from home at some point last year, new figures suggest.

Office for National Statistics data estimates that 39 per cent of the 193,131 employed people aged 16 and over across the conurbation worked from home at some stage in 2020.

This was up from 27 per cent in 2019, and above the UK average average of 37% last year – though rates differed significantly.

The figures are based on the ONS's annual population survey.

Across the UK, 26 per cent of people worked at home at some point in the week they were surveyed – more than double that of 2019.

The TUC union says this trend could lead to a new “class divide”, as those who have been able to work from home will find it easier to achieve more flexible working in the future.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said the Government will not bring forward an employment bill until the pandemic is over, but it has reconvened the Flexible Working Taskforce to support emerging changes in working.

A spokeswoman added: "The Government is committed to supporting all employees to manage their work-life commitments."