Abroad|16/06/21

IRELAND: a code of good practices on the right to disconnect

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > IRELAND: a code of good practices on the right to disconnect

While there is no legislation in place, the government published a Code of Practice on the Right to Disconnect on 1 April 2021.

The Code was developed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), an independent body that oversees the enforcement of Irish employment law. It came into force on the day of its publication. It is aimed at employers, employees and their representatives.

Specifically, the Code is designed:

  • To complement and support the rights and obligations of employers and employees under the Working Time (OWTA 1997), Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (SHWWA 2005), Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018 and the Conditions of Employment (Information) Act 1994 – 2014.
  • To help employers and employees navigate an increasingly digital and changed working environment, which often involves remote and flexible working.
  • To provide assistance to employees who feel compelled to work longer hours than agreed in their employment contracts on a regular basis.
    Assist employers in developing and implementing procedures and policies to facilitate the right to disconnect.
  • To provide guidance on resolving workplace issues arising from the right to disconnect, both informally and formally, as appropriate.

Download the Code (pdf)

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