A new law aimed at giving employees the right to request remote work is to be included in the 'Work Life Balance' bill which is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
Rather than passing separate pieces of legislation, the Government said that amending the Work Life Balance Bill is the most efficient and practical way to introduce the right to request remote work to all workers.
It means that employers and employees will now be making and considering requests for flexible or remote working under one law and one Code of Practice to be developed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
The Code of Practice will be established on a statutory footing and it is expected that it will include guidance to employers and employees on their obligations regarding compliance.
"This will streamline the process and will help avoid inconsistencies and confusion," according to a statement from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Unions had criticised the 'Right to Request Remote Working Bill' saying it was stacked in favour of the employer when it came to grounds for refusal and grounds for appeal.
Employers had questioned the need for the legislation and had warned that it may result in additional administrative burdens for businesses.
The Right to Request Remote Working Bill provided for 13 specific grounds upon which an employer could refuse a request.
Under the new integrated bill, the grounds for refusal will be replaced by an obligation on the employer...
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