RIGHT TO REQUEST REMOTE WORKING

With many employees still working in a hybrid situation, there are a large amount of people requesting a remote working option on an ongoing basis. Currently this is not regulated, however, legislation has been introduced that when passed into law will give workers the right to request a remote working option. Employers will have the right to refuse on grounds to be stated in the bill. If the worker is dissatisfied there will be a right to bring the matter before the WRC.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the reasons an employer can refuses a remote working request on business grounds:

1. Potential negative impact on the quality of your product or service
2. A potential negative impact on performance of the employee or other employees
3. Concerns for the protection of intellectual property, confidentiality of information and data protection
4. Health and safety issues with a home office or carrying out certain processes at home 
5. Internet connectivity issues 
6. Planned structural changes to the business 
7. If the employee has recently been or, is currently involved in a formal disciplinary process