Derry ranked second among the top 10 worst UK Cities to work remotely

Derry has been rated the second worst city in the UK to work from home, according to a new study.

A recent study by ZeroBounce revealed the ten worst places to work remotely based on a comprehensive analysis of nine key factors affecting remote work. Data was collected from 69 UK cities to evaluate their suitability for remote work.

The analysis considered broadband speed, internet and electricity costs, as well as rent for a one-bedroom apartment. Other factors included coffee shop accessibility and quality, crime and air quality indices, and the availability and density of co-working spaces.

The final composite scores were then calculated, where 1 represents the best conditions and 100 the worst.

Derry ranks second with a composite score of 91.1. While its Internet cost is more affordable at £32, the city struggles with a high crime index of 51.34 and poor air quality, ranking among the lowest in this category. Its limited number of co-working spaces and low density further reduce its appeal for remote professionals.

The only city that ranks worse than the Maiden City in this study is Lisburn.

It took the top spot with a composite score of 99.2. It ranks as the worst city for remote work due to its extremely limited infrastructure for professionals. Lisburn has the most expensive internet cost among the cities analyzed, at £55.00, and only one co-working space, giving it the lowest co-working space density overall. With limited amenities and resources, it’s a challenging environment for remote workers.

Armagh comes in third with a composite score of 90.3. With an air quality index of 55, the city ranks among the most polluted on the list. Remote workers face further limitations with just two co-working spaces, highlighting a lack of infrastructure for professionals. Affordable internet at £32.00 offers some relief, but not enough to overcome the city’s other shortcomings.

It means that the top three worst places in this study are based in the north of Ireland, while the following seven places on the list are based in England.

Lichfield and Preston round out the top five on the list, with the latter achieving a composite score of 88.7. The city has one of the worst air quality indices at 68, significantly impacting living conditions for remote professionals. Broadband speed is slow at just 54 Mbps, complicating its suitability for remote work. Although the city has ten co-working spaces, its low density and other limitations keep it low on the list.

The next four on the list are Sunderland, Doncaster, Carlisle, and Coventry.

Salford rounds out the top ten with a composite score of 85.2. While it offers the most affordable internet cost at £21, the city suffers from poor air quality and high rent costs at £800. Salford has 11 co-working spaces, which gives it a slightly higher density than others, but it remains a less desirable choice for remote work due to other factors.

A spokesperson from ZeroBounce commented on the study: “For remote workers, choosing the right city isn’t just about fast internet but about the whole package. Reliable broadband is crucial, but so are factors like affordable rent, clean air, and access to co-working spaces when you need a change of scenery. If you’re struggling with connectivity or finding the right workspace, it’s worth exploring local options like public libraries or shared office spaces. And don’t forget to weigh up the overall quality of life—things like commute-free days lose their shine if you’re battling poor air quality or unreliable services.”