Earlier this year the Tánaiste requested the Workplace Relations Commission to design a new code of practice, that, once approved by the Minister, would be admissible in evidence in proceedings before a court.
Further to section 20(2) of the Workplace Relations Act, 2015, and in the context of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is undertaking a public consultation with a view to drafting a Code of Practice on the ‘’Right to Disconnect’’. The public consultation will inform the drafting of the Code, inter alia, which will set out guidance for employees and employers with regard to best practice and approaches to employee disengagement from emails, mobile phones and other work-related technical devices outside normal working hours.
The Tánaiste said: “We want remote working to become a bigger part of life after COVID-19. If done right, the benefits will be huge. However, it is vitally important that the existing rights and entitlements that employees enjoy are maintained and that an appropriate work-life balance is struck.”
“Working from home has become the norm for many this past year and although technology has meant that we have been able to stay connected in a way that wasn’t possible years ago, it also has it’s downsides. This new Code will help all workers strike a better balance between home and work life.”
The WRC invites submissions on this matter: submissions should be submitted to the WRC by 17.00 on 22 January 2021. Submissions, marked ‘‘Right to Disconnect’’ should be sent to [email protected] or by post to Finbarr Kiely, Workplace Relations Commission, Lansdowne House, Lansdowne Road, Dublin 4, D04A3A8.
