From today people have the right to disconnect from work and not answer calls or emails outside of working hours.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has signed a new code of practice, which could lead to cases in the Workplace Relations Commission for breaches of the right to disconnect.
People now have a right to not have to work outside of normal hours.
Leo Varadkar said:
"The pandemic has transformed working practices, and many of those changes will be long-lasting.
I am announcing two things today. Firstly, I have signed a new Code of Practice giving all employees the Right to Disconnect. This is effective immediately. Secondly, I am opening a public consultation on the right to request remote working, inviting views from all on how this right can be enshrined in law."
There are three rights enshrined in the Code which comes into effect today:
- The right of an employee to not have to routinely perform work outside their normal working hours.
- The right not to be penalised for refusing to attend to work matters outside of normal working hours.
- The duty to respect another person’s right to disconnect (e.g., by not routinely emailing or calling outside normal working hours).
