Remote networking could prevent problems in the event of a tanker driver's strike

Businesses across the country need to look at remote networking to prevent massive issues for the economy if staff are unable to get to work due to closed petrol stations, the chairman of the Shropshire branch of the Chartered Institute of IT warned today.

With the possibility of nearly 8,000 petrol stations across the country being forced to close it could mean workers who commute will face major problems.

Chris Pallett, of Bespoke Computing Ltd, who chairs the Shropshire branch of the Institute of IT said the action does not mean companies have to suffer.

He said: “Regardless of whether Unite are right or wrong to vote on strikes for next week, a shortage of fuel is going to cause massive issues for the economy if employees are unable to get to their work place.  Even within our own business we are looking at contingency for servicing our clients without the need for travel.

“If you have staff that live far away from the office, spend lots of time on the road, or are not customer facing – the opportunity to reduce your exposure to any fuel strikes that may happen are with remote working facilities.

“Businesses that have remote working facilities on their computers can offer staff the option to work from home connected to their main systems.

“We've set up remote working facilities for Shropshire businesses that has been used all over Europe, the US and the Far East.  It is inexpensive and really easy to use.

“Obviously not all jobs can be done through remote working but for those that can it may well prevent problems during these strikes.”

Workers in seven major distribution companies - Wincanton, DHL, Hoyer, BP, J W Suckling, Norbert Dentressangle and Turners - were balloted for industrial action.