Advice on companies that really allow flexible working/working from home

[hidingmyname]

Hi Everyone,

I?m a regular poster on another account, but just created this one because of the nature of my question. Sorry, I hope you can understand and Admin don?t mind.

I?d really appreciate anyones help or guidance on this, but if you would prefer for me to correspond from my real account, you can just let me know, and I will pop a message to you from it.

Basically, I used to work from home when I was with my previous employer. It was more or less something that all the staff could utilize, depending on what part of the business you worked in. My current employer does apparently allow flexible working, but really, it is frowned upon.

I?m looking to move roles, but would ideally like to work in a company like my previous one (they?ve no suitable roles for me at the moment). I?ve search on those award pages for employers and working mums websites (I?m not a mum), to see what employers were mentioned.

As many here work from home, and/or may know people who do, would you be willing to share names of companies or experiences with me? I?d really appreciate it, and might give me an idea as to what companies to watch for roles in.

I can explain why it is important to me, if you wish ? but, am not wishing to write it publicly. I?m in a process for two roles at the moment, one which I believe is like my previous company (but the recruitment process is so slow), and the second, I feel, will be like my current employer.

Thanks for any help/guidance, it will all be very appreciated.

[LadyNorwood]

What industry sector are you interested in?

[bornagain]

One option is to go freelance.

[hidingmyname]

Hello LadyNorwood,

My background is tax (across the board basically (expatriate, employment, corporate, international), as I was given a lot of opportunities with my previous employer which was fantastic). Ultimately, I want to stay in an employee motivated role, and am open to HR type positions because my experience is useful in benefit/reward type roles too. The above looks like all technical experience, but I've also been involved in project management type work and creative solutions so to speak (which I think is what is drawing in the interest from the current processes).

To go freelance is a great idea and something I've considered, but I am used to going to Big 4 advisors, so there is a hesitation in there from me. Others would say I'm not giving myself enough credit, but it's just something I'm not comfortable with at the moment. I do returns for friends etc., at no charge, but that is different.

[Otta]

A local authority finance job? LA's actively encourage remote working because there are never enough desks for everyone in the offices.

[hidingmyname]

Thank you Otta, I'll get on to those sites now, thats a great lead :)

[El Pibe]

I've no idea who you are but I'm sure we know each other at some level.....annyyhooooo

Going freeleance wont necessarilly result in more working from home, just more money but more paperwork.

If your options are really that open I'd talk to La Piba for some advice as she's done pretty well seting herself up in business and works from home when she dictates rather than when it's not being frowned upon.

I work in a place where remote working is positively anathema, but am being taken on as a remote worker because I'm emigrating...have you considered moving to another country? ;)

[hidingmyname]

El Pibe that made me laugh! I did haha! On the reverse of that, I remember a job advertised in another country (when I was with my previous company) and they said I could have it, and that they didn't care if I moved to America or Australia or anywhere, but I'd have to be paid in Euros :( That wasn't going to work for me!

Thats great about them keeping you on as a remote worker, despite the disgust it may bring them :) I hope you will be going somewhere exotic to make them envious and your new life. On the side of that, and I'm sure you know or have looked into it, but they've changed the residency rules here for this tax year onwards, so keep an eye on your dates of departure etc.. I'm not touting for business, its not my forte, but I was discussing it with someone earlier and its a minefield.

I do believe that those who frown upon it on the most part, are those who can't work from home because they know they wouldn't do anything whilst there.

That sounds good about La Piba, it has worked out for her. I can't wait to get into that position, but for now, I'd rather be employed, even part-time, and subsidise that with trying to create a business. Ah the dreams, which can come reality!!

[El Pibe]

yeah, I have no idea where I stnad tax wise.

My vague plan is to get paid in squids to a uk company and pay myself minimum wage in euros to keep myself away from the guinness I reckon ;-)

[steveo]

I work from home and I'm lonely, and cold

[hidingmyname]

You need to get advice (not from me ;-) )...

If your employer is not tax equalizing you especially. You don't want to become taxable in the land of Guinness, whilst there is tax deducted in the UK. You will also need to look at your NI contributions, moreso depending upon your intermediate and long term plans e.g. coming back to the UK.

There is some overall information here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/international/residence.htm

Tax Magazine wrote some articles on it, which you may be able to read online. I remember reading the guidance/rules on this, and was trying to figure out how you could automate the tests that need to be carried out to find out an individuals taxability. I truly was flummoxed, you could really only red flag the answers to questions in a test - there is no black/white answer to whether someone is taxable in the UK. I then spoke to an "expert" and he said the same - so do get advice, just to mitigate any potential costs. Even departure dates could affect things. I'll have a look later and see did I keep the articles.

[hidingmyname]

steveo - I'd swap that for the office any day :) Well a few days a week anyway :)