According to new research from Virgin Mobile Business, 64% of companies from a sample of 5,000 are now equipping employees to work out of the office, compared to only 14% of businesses in 2010. Mobile working is growing at a staggering rate and if you are regularly out of the office, you can keep in touch with all Re:locate’s industry information via our new app, which will be available in the next few days.

These findings suggest a significant shift in UK working practices towards a more mobile workforce. As mobile internet usage looks set to exceed desktop use by 2014, many UK businesses are heralding the “death of the PC” as a way to save costs – such as reducing the price of rent by opting for smaller offices, or by letting all of their staff work from home.

However, the research also shows that many employers are not taking full advantage of the potential of mobile technology. For example, 98% of businesses are not benefitting from VPN remote access, which enables employees to securely connect to the whole corporate network.

Andrew McGrath, executive director, commercial at Virgin Media Business, said: “It’s easy to see why businesses across the UK are embracing mobile working – not only is there evidence that home working options make for happier workers, it can also help organisations comply with flexible working legislation. Coupled with huge advances in handsets and netbooks, working on the move is becoming even easier, and more pleasurable than ever before.”

However, he stressed that there are many more ways that businesses can use the mobile technology to their advantage: “Whilst it’s great to see UK businesses embracing these benefits few are realising the full potential. A dongle or a smartphone may enable remote email, but without access to the company server, many workers will be held back from being truly productive on the move.”