Businesses within the UK transport and logistics sector are becoming increasingly reluctant to support homeworking, according to new data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figures show that only 4.4% of companies in the industry are currently using, or planning to introduce, increased homeworking. This marks a significant drop from 14.6% recorded in the previous survey carried out in November 2025.

The sector now appears to be the least likely to adopt remote working practices when compared with other industries. By contrast, organisations in the information and communication sector remain far more open to flexible working arrangements, with around 40.6% either already using or planning to expand homeworking in the near future.

Other sectors that traditionally rely on on-site work also appear more receptive to remote options than transport and logistics. Around 16.2% of manufacturing firms and 14.9% of retail businesses reported plans to increase homeworking. Even the accommodation and food service sector, which includes restaurants, pubs and hotels, reported a higher figure of 5.8%.

Industry analysts suggest that the limited use of remote working could be contributing to ongoing recruitment challenges within the sector. Some businesses have reported pausing operations or struggling to meet demand due to staffing shortages. Employers have cited several reasons for resisting homeworking, including concerns about suitability for the role, difficulties managing staff remotely, and worries that remote working may negatively impact workplace culture and staff integration.