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
Cult US sustainable clothing brand Reformation opens in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Cult US sustainable clothing brand Reformation has opened its doors in Manchester for the first time.
Since it was first founded in Los Angeles all the way back in 2009, Reformation has gone on to become one of the largest sustainable womenswear brands on the planet, and is now known and loved for making beautiful, timeless apparel and accessories that aim to ‘inspire confidence’ across life stages and occasions.
Operating on a business model that pairs a smart approach to merchandising with a responsive supply chain, Reformation now operates more than 70 retail stores across the US, UK, Canada, and France.
At the heart of the Reformation story is a genuine commitment to ‘doing things differently’.
Since day one, sustainability has been woven into everything the brand makes – from the eco-certified fabrics and responsible factories, to its famously transparent sustainability reports.
Currently, Reformation has five UK stores to its name – but, it may come as no surprise to fans of the brand that they’re all in London.
That’s why the news of this new Manchester opening is such a big deal.
The label’s first UK store outside of the capital, Reformation has secured a prime spot on King Street in the heart of the city centre, where its neighbours include American Vintage and ME+EM.
Inside, the store is laid out simply, with single sample-size items on display, but a full range of sizes available to try on.
And you can browse the full Reformation collection on huge interactive screens in the front of the shop.
Take a look inside:
Reformation is now open in ManchesterPart of Manchester’s beautiful new Reformation storeReformation loafersInteractive screens so you can browse the full Reformation collectionZebra print mules
“For Manchester, it’s a landmark moment, and for King Street, it’s the latest signal that this is one of the UK’s most exciting retail destinations,” a spokesperson for King Street said in a statement.
Stay tuned for details on opening dates to be announced in due course.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
Business
Wetherspoons introduces new phone rule at all UK pubs after customers are ‘driven nuts’
Emily Sergeant
JD Wetherspoon has announced a major new phone rule in all its sites across the UK after customers complain of being ‘driven nuts’.
The pub chain – which has nearly 800 branches across the UK – announced earlier this week that it has made the decision to ban people from playing music or videos out of their phones, and from taking calls on loudspeaker.
The ban, which has been introduced effective immediately, follows a rising number of complaints from customers about the noise – with owners saying sounds from smartphones and tablet computers had become an ‘increasing problem’ in recent years.
Wetherspoon founder and chairman, Tim Martin, says he wants Wetherspoon pubs to be ‘an oasis of tranquillity and contemplation’.
Wetherspoons has introduced a new phone rule at all its UK pubs after customers are ‘driven nuts’ / Credit: Allan Rohmer (via Unsplash)
A formal statement from the company announcing the ban reads: “Following complaints from customers, who are being driven nuts by other people’s videos and amplified phone conversations, Wetherspoon has asked customers to switch their phones to silent or to use earphones.”
Tim Martin added: “In order to avoid customers being driven chicken jalfrezi by a cacophony of sound, we are kindly asking phone users to pipe down.”
Wetherspoon’s ban follows a YouGov poll conducted last year questioning public opinion on a proposition made by the Liberal Democrats of introducing fines of up to £1,000 for ‘headphone dodgers’ who play music out loud on buses and trains.
62% of people, on average, said they would back this move if it was introduced.
The poll, which surveyed 6,815 British adults, found that almost three-quarters of those over 65 would support the fines, while those aged between 18 and 24 were split 47% to 43% in favour of it.
Early public reactions to Wetherspoon’s ban appears to be overwhelmingly positive.
The Manc -
17th June 2021 
