Forest of Dean District Council is looking to provide workers who are now fully remote, or have a flexible hybrid approach to working with a list of local businesses that are set up for, and welcome people to work remotely at their premises, such as cafes, restaurants and community spaces.

Cabinet Member for Economy, Councillor Bernie O’Neill, said,

“We have seen a lot of workers and businesses adapt out of necessity to remote working during the pandemic, and while some offices are now welcoming their staff back, others will be staying remote.

“This has its benefits, but it can also have an impact on mental and physical health, and being able to get out for a few hours to work in a different setting can provide a welcome break and also boost trade for local hospitality businesses during quieter periods. 

“We are encouraging any business that could facilitate remote workers to sign up and we will help to promote you within our Remote Forest directory service”

There is a simple form that accommodating businesses can fill in where they will be listed on the Remote Forest directory. The form asks questions including opening hours, parking facilities, and minimum spend for using the premises along with a section to list any additional facilities such as free or pay as you go Wi-Fi, electric charging points and refreshments.

Once businesses have signed up, their listing will be added to an online directory that will be set up by and promoted by Forest of Dean District Council.

For any businesses that want to sign up, they can fill in a form on this page: https://www.fdean.gov.uk/RFDsignup/