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Business leaders split on remote working bill
More than one-third of business leaders do not believe the Government’s proposed new Right to Request Remote Working Bill balances the rights and requirements of both employees and employers.
However, 28% of business leaders do believe that it strikes the right balance.
Of those who are unhappy with the proposed new legislation, 93% think the Government should “go back to the drawing board” with the bill and do a fuller and more detailed consultation with the relevant parties.
The findings are contained in the latest quarterly ‘Director Sentiment Monitor’ from the Institute of Directors in Ireland.
The survey was completed by 314 directors and business leaders.
It also shows that almost half of business leaders have a personal belief that hybrid working has been a success but when it comes to their organisation forming a position on it, 36% say it is too soon to do so.
“We live in uncertain and changing times, across a number of fronts, and it will surely take some time for some of the issues around remote and hybrid working, including the proposed legislation in this area, to be resolved,” said Maura Quinn, chief executive of the Institute of Directors in Ireland.
“It is crucial at this stage for business leaders to ensure transparency and engagement with their staff, to ensure that whichever model is implemented benefits the needs of the employer and the employee,” she added.
Details of the Right to Request Remote Working Bill were announced in January by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar.
The legislation is designed to give employees the right to request remote working and will require employers to provide reasonable grounds for refusing requests.
The Irish Congress of Trade Union has claimed that the draft law in its current form is stacked in favour of the employer when it comes to grounds for refusal and grounds for appeal.
Business group Ibec has said that it could place an additional administrative burden on employers and has questioned the need for the legislation.
The Government has said that it will listen to the concerns of stakeholders as it prepares the remote working legislation. It is currently expected that the new law will be enacted by the summer.
Article Source – Business leaders split on remote working bill – RTE – Brian O’Donovan
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