A new Code of Practice to disconnect from work outside of normal working hours came into effect on the 1st of April 2021.
What does this mean?
* An employee now has the right not to have to routinely perform work outside their normal working hours
* Should an employee refuse to perform their work outside of their normal working hours, they cannot be penalised
* There is a duty to respect another person’s right to disconnect for example by not routinely emailing or calling outside of normal working hours
There is no formal right to disconnect under Irish or European law, however this new Code of Practice provides a useful guide to employers and employees . It is also admissible in evidence in any proceedings before a Court, the Labour Court or the Workplace Relations Commission.
