Band 8.5 — Line Graph with Projection: Remote Working in Three Sectors (2010–2030)

The line graph shows the proportion of employees in information technology, finance and manufacturing who worked from home at least two days a week from 2010 onwards, together with projections extending to 2030.

Overall, remote working expanded substantially in IT and finance, an upward trend that is forecast to continue, whereas it has remained marginal in manufacturing. IT has led throughout and is expected to retain that position.

In 2010, home working was uncommon everywhere, involving just 8% of IT staff, 5% of those in finance and a mere 2% in manufacturing. The following decade transformed the office-based sectors: by 2020 the figures for IT and finance had surged to 42% and 28% respectively, representing more than a fivefold increase in each case.

This trajectory is projected to persist, albeit more gently. By 2030, three in five IT employees are predicted to work remotely, alongside 38% of finance staff. Manufacturing, by contrast, is expected to see only a token rise, edging up from 7% to 9%, since most factory roles cannot realistically be performed off-site.