Is homeworking contributing to the Crisis of Isolation?

The rise of homeworking has transformed the way we live and work—but is it also fuelling a crisis of isolation, particularly among young people? Bath Rugby Foundation’s Alternative Learning Manager, Jonno Wood, raises this question in a thought-provoking discussion, calling for greater awareness of the unintended consequences of remote working.

This conversation was sparked by comments from Ofsted Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver, who recently suggested that homeworking could be linked to increased school absenteeism. While Oliver’s remarks were not backed by specific data, charities working with young people have observed a strong correlation between homeworking parents and children who struggle to attend school regularly.

At Bath Rugby Foundation, we work closely with young people who are struggling with school attendance, social isolation, and mental health challenges. Through our Alternative Learning Hub, we provide a structured, supportive environment for students who have disengaged from mainstream education. Our programmes focus on building confidence, developing life skills, and creating pathways to independence, helping young people reconnect with their communities and their futures.

With the increasing shift towards homeworking, it is crucial that we address the impact on both adults and young people. Social interaction plays a key role in mental well-being, and as Jonno highlights, a reduction in daily face-to-face engagement can contribute to feelings of isolation.

Bath Rugby Foundation invites the public to join the discussion. Do you think homeworking is affecting young people’s school attendance and social development? Share your thoughts with us on social media.

Read more about our Alternative Learning Hub.