Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said an employee of six months standing will be able to apply for remote working, under a heads of bill passed by Cabinet today.

The employer must reply to the request within 12 weeks.

If the employer is refusing a request under 13 listed conditions, it must be for a specified and what he termed "good" reason.

The Tánaiste said any refusal by an employer to facilitate an employee can be appealed to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

He said he wants the legislation published by Easter, and passed the Oireachtas by the summer recess.

Mr Varadkar said any WRC decision is expected to be binding but there is a possibility of going to the Labour Court.

He added that compensation could apply to an employee, in the case of an employer being ruled against.

Tánaiste @LeoVaradkar sets out the procedure for applications under draft legislation guaranteeing the right to apply for remote work. Employers will have to give 'a solid reason that stands up' in order to refuse an application | https://t.co/gk4gmxFcGx pic.twitter.com/I3Lh2MD6Ww

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 25, 2022

The Tánaiste said: "Up until now, remote and home working has been imposed on a lot of people due to the public health restrictions. Now that they have been lifted, I want it to be a choice.

"I want workers to be able to work from home or remotely or hybrid if they want to. So long as the business gets done and services are provided, employers should facilitate it.

"I know...

Read Full Story: https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0125/1275772-remote-working-update/