Fórsa has this morning (15th January) given an initial welcome to headline measures set out in the Government’s Remote Working Strategy, published today, which would make remote work “the norm” for 20% of public servants. But the union also called for engagement on the detailed roll-out of the proposals.

The Government strategy includes pledges to establish a legal right to request remote working, introduce a legally admissible code of practice on the right to disconnect, and a review of the treatment of remote working for tax purposes.

It also says the Government will invest in remote work hubs and explore the acceleration of the National Broadband Plan.

Fórsa’s Head of Communications Bernard Harbor said the strategy, Making Remote Work, appeared to address a number of issues highlighted by the union in its submission to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

“We look forward to studying the report and its recommendations in detail. But, on the face of it, the headline proposals are welcome.

“Fórsa very much welcomes the pledge to establish legal rights to disconnect and to request remote working, which would bring Ireland closer to European best practice. But there needs to be engagement with trade unions and other stakeholders on the detail of these, and other proposals, to ensure fair access to remote working and proper protections for all staff regardless of where they work,” he said.

A Fórsa survey conducted last summer showed a strong appetite for a hybrid model, which blends time worked remotely and in the workplace.

The survey of Fórsa members, published last August, found that 86% of respondents were interested in working remotely. Over 80% of those who favour home working expressed a preference for a hybrid arrangement.

But it also uncovered concerns about home working related to four broad areas: Disconnection from the workplace, work encroachment on home life, costs and the appropriateness of home work space, and health and safety issues.

Bernard said the experience of remote working during the Covid-19 emergency had demonstrated that many roles can be carried out remotely in ways that are productive, cost-effective and attractive to employers and their staff.

“Workers value the flexibility that remote working can bring, while managers cite access to talent, improved productivity and cost savings as benefits. Enhanced remote working also has huge potential to boost climate action and regional development,” he said.

Read the Government’s remote working strategy HERE.

Read Fórsa’s submission HERE.

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