![[Ireland] 'Right to disconnect' for workers](http://globalpayrollassociation.com/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock-Smartphone-Addiction-Concept--372777655_1200x.jpg?v=1593422685)
In August 2018, a French worker was reportedly awarded €60,000 compensation because his employer, Rentokil, failed to respect his “right to disconnect” from his phone and email outside of office hours. It was the first judgment of its kind following the introduction of a law in 2017 prohibiting French employers from expecting workers to be always available by phone or email, regardless of their working hours.
Ireland may be about to move in the same direction. In their programme for government, published last week, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party have said that they will “bring forward proposals on a right to disconnect” this year. The document states, “We will also consider a role for the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in drawing up a code in this area.” The Sunday Times explores what this means for employees and how well supported such a move might be.In August 2018, a French worker was reportedly awarded €60,000 compensation because his employer, Rentokil, failed to respect his “right to disconnect” from his phone and email outside of office hours. It was the first judgment of its kind following the introduction of a law in 2017 prohibiting French employers from expecting workers to be always available by phone or email, regardless of their working hours.
Ireland may be about to move in the same direction. In their programme for government, published last week, Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party have said that they will “bring forward proposals on a right to disconnect” this year. The document states, “We will also consider a role for the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in drawing up a code in this area.” The Sunday Times explores what this means for employees and how well supported such a move might be.