Workers now enjoy a strengthened ‘right to disconnect’ under a new code of practice launched by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) last week.

Fórsa and other unions have long-campaigned for the code, which means employees will not have to routinely perform work outside their normal working hours. It also warns employers not to penalise staff for refusing to deal with work matters outside of normal working hours.

It adds that workers should not be obliged to respond immediately to emails, telephone calls or other messages when not at work. The code has already come into effect, and it applies to all employees regardless of whether they work remotely or not.

Although the code does not establish a statutory right to disconnect, an employers’ failure to follow its provisions can be sited in complaints to the WRC, the Labour Court or the legal courts.

Fórsa deputy general secretary Matt Staunton welcomed the new code, saying it was a massive step towards improving the work-life balance of employees.

“The pandemic has brought to the fore increasing issues around routinely working longer hours than obligated to, and employees feeling like they can never truly switch off. Fórsa welcomes this new code and calls on employers to actively engage with their employees and use the code as a basis to develop the appropriate working practices,” he said.

The code also highlights the major responsibility on part of management to supervise working time, but reminds employees of their own responsibility to be mindful of other peoples’ right to disconnect.

ICTU’s social policy officer Laura Bambrick said the code would help tackle the longstanding issue of workers regularly doing unpaid overtime. “When the occasional intrusion on a worker’s personal time, to get a project finished or an order filled, becomes the norm this becomes a health and safety issue,” she said.

The code of practice was signed by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, who also welcomed further consultation on plans for a legal right to request remote working, a measure that Fórsa sought in its lengthy submission to a Government consultation last year.

The union has since lodged a formal claim for comprehensive agreed remote working guidelines with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

“We are calling for proper engagement with unions and other stakeholders on the establishment and implementation of developed working practices to ensure that fair access to remote working and proper protections for all staff are implemented, regardless of where they work, to bring Ireland on par with European best practice,” said Matt.

Read the WRC code of practice HERE.