Data from the Office for National Statistics reveals that the number of people working from home in the UK in 2020 doubled compared to figures from the previous year. The coronavirus pandemic prompted a seismic shift in our working cultures as people were forced to stay away from the office and do their jobs from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Such significant changes brought inevitable challenges as businesses, and their employees had to adapt. Even as restrictions begin to ease, millions around the country are opting to continue to work remotely. It looks set to become a permanent solution for many, but those who wish to stay at home will need to make sure they’re set up with the appropriate technology.
Having the proper hardware is a given, but remote workers should also ensure they’re connected to a virtual private network (VPN). Here, we’ll explain what a VPN is, how it works and why you should be using one when working from home.
What is a VPN, and how does it work?
A VPN creates an encrypted data tunnel between your local network and a network in another location. It masks your IP address to make you virtually untraceable and encrypts your browsing data before sending it to a secure server. It is then decrypted before it is moved on to your intended destination. The same process works in reverse when you receive data.
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It’s estimated that 31% of internet users worldwide connect to a VPN, and some companies provide their employees with laptops preloaded with a VPN, which the business will pay for. If that’s not the case, there are numerous VPN services available – some that require a subscription fee and others that are free of charge.
What are the benefits of using a VPN when working from home?
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It’s recommended to always use a VPN when working from home, and here are just a few of the reasons why:
Guard against cybercrime
The National Crime Agency has warned cyber criminality is on the rise, and the consequences for the victims can be severe. Connecting to a VPN means your data will be encrypted, so hackers will find it much more difficult to get hold of any potentially sensitive personal or financial information.
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Protect your privacy
Your browsing data is recorded by your internet service provider. In some cases, they are permitted to sell that information to businesses, advertisers, and even government agencies. If you don’t want that to happen, using a VPN will mean that data will remain private.
Enhance performance
Connecting to a sound VPN can also improve your bandwidth and efficiency, meaning your browsing speeds will be faster and your productivity greater.
Enjoy secure sharing
Working from home means a lot of communication and file sharing, which can be done more securely with a high-quality VPN. Strong encryption will mean third parties cannot access these transfers, and any company or client data will remain safe.
Business
‘Remember to support genuine independents’ – Manchester’s rotisserie chicken bistro Tartuffe announces closure
Emily Sergeant
Rotisserie chicken bistro Tartuffe has called final orders on its time at popular city centre hangout, Side Street.
Serving some of the best rotisserie chicken in Manchester – ‘sexy chicken’, if you will – Tartuffe first landed at Side Street inside the ABC Building back in the later summer of 2024, and quickly became known and loved by critics and customers alike for not just their rotisserie options, but also their stylish bar snacks and standout sides.
But despite being a roaring success these past two years, Tartuffe took to social media this week to announce the end of the ‘longest pop-up ever’, with its final service being tomorrow (25 September).
Tartuffe will be leaving Side Street this Friday / Credit: The Manc Group
Announcing its closure on Instagram, Tartuffe wrote: “That’s right, our time at Side Street has come to an end and our final service here is this Friday.
“It’s been an incredible two and a half years cooking for the wonderful people of Manchester and we’re hugely thankful to everyone who’s been to see us whilst we’ve been here.
“Another big thanks to the staff at Side Street who we’ve loved working with. We’ve made some great friends and worked with some absolutely brilliant people.
Award-winning Manchester restaurant Another Hand announces closure with ‘immediate effect’
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most popular intimate restaurants has sadly announced that it’ll be closing its doors with ‘immediate effect’.
Another Hand – which can be found tucked away up on Deansgate Mews – opened back in 2022 to acclaim from critics and customers, as well as scooping up several awards along the way like Best Newcomer at the 2022 Manchester Food and Drink Awards, and places in the Michelin Guide and the Good Food Guide along the way.
Not only that, but the 24-seater intimate casual dining restaurant was also named as one of the best restaurants in Manchester merely three weeks ago by respected publication, Time Out.
Launched by the team behind 3 Hands Deli – which operated from a site two units down – Another Hand was known and loved for focusing on sharing plates made with produce from local ethical growers.
And it seemed to be going from strength to strength, but sadly, the restaurant took to social media yesterday to announce its decision to close ‘with immediate effect’.
Another Hand said in its statement on Instagram: “With heavy hearts we are sad to announce that after five years Another Hand will be closing its doors with immediate effect.
“Unfortunately, as most of us know, the current economic climate for the hospitality sector is facing steep challenges, sadly a familiar story. And after five years of operating within this increasingly challenging environment, we feel it’s time for us to step away.
“This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, but it feels like the right time to bring this chapter to an end.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here. From the people who have worked alongside us, to the producers and suppliers who have supported us; and most importantly, everyone who has come through the door and eaten with us…. thank you.
The Manc -
17th June 2021 
