WRC to strengthen code on remote working
The Government is to ask the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to “revise and strengthen” its code of practice on remote working.
The move follows the publication of a review that found that 2023 legislation on the issue was working effectively.
As a result, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment said, no legislative changes to the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 were being proposed.
Process ‘straightforward’
The review, which draws on 8,000 responses from workers and employers to a public consultation, finds that 94% of requests for remote working are approved fully or partially.
It adds that, although uptake remains low, the process is straightforward for employers.
The report says, however, that low public awareness – particularly in rural areas – is “a major barrier” to the act’s impact, as fewer than half of employees know they have a legal right to request remote work.
'Toothless tiger'
“Critiques that the act is a ‘toothless tiger’ reflect a specific concern about accountability,” the review states.
“Stakeholders highlight wide employer discretion and the lack of a merits‑based appeals process, calling for clearer, more balanced decision‑making, rather than absolute employee rights,” it adds.
The report says that the legislation is also functioning as “a constructive catalyst” for negotiation, citing the number of partial approvals as an indication that the formal process often leads to compromises between employees and employers.
“Overall, the evidence supports a finding that the act has acted as a stabilising, evolutionary force – not a disruptive one – prompting more organisations to formalise remote‑work policies,” it concludes.
Awareness campaign
“This review clearly shows that when employees use their right to request remote working, it delivers, with over 90% of requests approved in full or in part. This is the kind of balanced, practical flexibility that we want to see nationwide,” said Minister for Small Business, Retail and Employment Alan Dillon.
He added, however, that too many people were still not aware that the right existed.
The department is planning a national awareness campaign on the right to request remote work this year.
Minister Dillon said that he would ask the WRC to revise its code of practice to:
- Provide clearer templates and guidance for employees applying for remote work,
- Support employers to give comprehensive and transparent reasons for decisions,
- Clarify the timelines set out in the legislation, and
- Support more structured consultation between employers and employees when considering remote work options and promote use of the WRC mediation services.