News

Library of Knowledge No. 79

Since 7 March 2024, all employees have a new legal right to request remote working.

A request can be made from the first day in a new job, but 6 months of continuous service must be completed before the arrangement can start.

What is remote working?

Remote working is an arrangement where instead of going to the employer’s workplace,  some or all work is completed from another location. Hours and duties will remain the same as if physically at the workplace

Code of practice on remote working:

The law on the right to request remote working is set out in Part 3 of the: https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2023/act/8/enacted/en/html

For full practical guidance for employers and employees on how to make and handle requests for remote working, you can read The Workplace Relations Commission’s (WRC); https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what_you_should_know/codes_practice/code-of-practice-for-employers-and-employees-right-to-request-flexible-working-and-right-to-request-remote-working/request flexible working and right to request remote working.html

Supports for employers

If you are an employer, you can use the templates in Section 3 of the WRC Code of Practice to develop:

• A Work-Life Balance Policy
• An application form for remote working requests

Who has the right to request remote working?

All employees have the right to request remote working.

Making a request for remote working:

When making a remote working request the employee must:

• Submit it as soon as reasonably practicable, but at least 8 weeks before the proposed start.
• Provide a written request or use an online application form.
• Outline details of the remote working arrangement, such as how many days and which days you are requesting.
• Set out your reasons for requesting remote working.
• Set out the proposed start date and duration of the arrangement.
• Detail the proposed remote location, such as at home or a work hub.

Give information on the suitability of the proposed remote working location, for example the workstation is suitably equipped and meets health and safety requirements see page 16 of the:

https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/what_you_should_know/codes_practice/code-of-practice-for-employers-and-employees-right-to-request-flexible-working-and-right-to-request-remote-working/code-of-practice-for-employers-and-employees.pdf

If we can be of any assistance with you HR compliance, please feel free to reach out.

Take care.