The Labour government has promised to give workers the "right to switch off" so that homes do not become "24/7 offices". Under this plan, employees would have the right to ignore work calls and emails out of hours. Downing Street said the plans were part of a wider push to improve Britain’s low productivity levels and prevent workers from burning out.
Ministers are looking at models in other countries where there is already a right to disconnect, such as Ireland and Belgium, Sky News reports. We are delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation and we will Make Work Pay. How? Learn more here 👇 https://t.
co/iAFKv9nCXO pic.twitter.com/tst0tknyp6 — Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Gov (@mhclg) August 19, 2024 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesperson said it was crucial for the line between home and work life to not become blurred.
She said: "The purpose behind this is ensuring that employees and businesses have the right arrangements in place to ensure that they can be productive. "One of the central missions of the government is for growth and we know that productivity is vital to growth." The plans were not a "one size fits all" and would recognise companies vary and people have different roles, she added.
How does the right to switch off work in other countries? In Ireland, a Code of Practice was developed in consultation with trade unions in 2021. This requires employers to engage with staff on a "right to disconnect" company policy, .