UK workers waste 4.6 million hours a day commuting

As well as contributing to transport emissions that account for over a fifth of the UK's carbon footprint, workers are collectively wasting 4.6 million hours a day commuting, according to new research released yesterday to coincide with the launch of National Commute Smart Week.

The survey of 2,000 workers found that 62 per cent of respondents want to reduce the amount of time travelling to and from work, while just under a third would like to be given the option to work more frequently from home or other remote locations in order to reduce the time they spend commuting.

The survey was commissioned by Citrix GoToMyPC which, as a provider of remote working technology, has an obvious vested interest in highlighting commuters' frustrations. But the survey still reveals that staff endure a high level of stress over daily commutes, with 42 per cent saying they are angered by being stuck in traffic, 38 per cent consistently frustrated by public transport problems, and a similar proportion unhappy about commuting in the dark and the cost of getting to and from work.

Moreover, just under half of respondents said that their employers would not allow them to work from home or undertake flexible hours to help avoid lengthy commutes.

Andrew Millard, director of eCommerce for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Citrix Online’s GoToMyPC division, said that businesses were taking an increasingly "outdated" stance in their opposition to home working.

"As the survey shows, British workers are frustrated by the amount of wasted time caused by long, arduous journeys to and from work," he said. "Smart commuting, flexi-time and remote working can offer an ideal solution, giving a range of benefits for employees and employers alike."

Transport-related emissions account for 21 per cent of the UK's carbon footprint and the government is aiming to cut emissions from the sector by around 20 per cent by 2020 under its low carbon transition plan.

In particular, it is looking to curb commuter-related emissions through the promotion of flexible working technologies, the development of new electrified rail lines and the roll out of so-called "Sustainable Travel Towns", which aim to encourage use of public transport and cycling.