Hundreds of Shropshire people stranded due to the Volcanic ash cloud could have carried on working despite being abroad, a county computer company said today.

Telford-based Bespoke Computing is flagging up the benefits of remote working facilities after discovering clients stuck abroad are unable to work due to a lack of internet access.

Productivity in the UK is expected to suffer due to workers being unable to return to work, according to the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR). 

It is still unclear how long the disruption will last, but the longer flights are grounded, the greater the impact is expected to be on businesses and the wider economy. 

As well as the impact on businesses hundreds of people due back at work this week are facing the possibility of losing their annual leave time or being forced to take unpaid leave.

But many are being encouraged to offer the possibility of remote working to their employer and using the technology to continue their job role from wherever they are.

Chris Pallett, of Bespoke Computing in Telford, said: "If they have remote working facilities on their computers then staff could essentially work from hotels or internet cafes abroad. 

"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 staff having to use up all of their holiday or face a reduction in pay. It will also benefit the companies they work for as they will not be losing an employee for a length of time."

For more information on remote working contact Chris at Bespoke Computing on 0845 004 3025.