In an update of our earlier news item, the Government has today published a draft Scheme of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill 2022.Under it an employee who has completed at least 26 weeks of continuous service can submit a request for remote working.
The employer must give the request due consideration but may decline if the proposal requested is not suitable on business grounds. The draft legislation outlines 13 non-exhaustive potential business grounds for an employer to refuse the request. Refusals can be appealed to the Workplace Relations Commission.
Every employer will be required to establish and maintain a written statement of remote working policy.
The Tánaiste said today that he wanted the legislation published by Easter and passed by the Oireachtas by the summer recess.