The Prime Minister’s spokesperson has confirmed that Downing Street are considering a Right to Switch Off policy for UK workers, similar to the models currently seen in Ireland and Belgium. Currently there is no legislation or guidance for UK workers when it comes to completing work related tasks and responding to work correspondence outside of normal working hours.
The review of similar models in Ireland and Belgium comes following Labour’s promise to review the UK’s current system in the hopes that employees in the UK will have a Right to Switch Off from work, meaning homes don’t become “24/7 offices”. The rationale behind the review is that Labour actually believes the economy could receive a boost as a result, as it allows employees the legal right to switch off and recharge, making them more productive workers when they return to work.
Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Statement
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson 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.”
She also added that plans were to ensure “we’re not inadvertently blurring the lines between work and home life” and that any proposed changes wouldn’t be a “one size fits all” approach, but would instead recognise that certain industries need to stay connected for the success of businesses and the health and safety of others.
Ireland’s Right To Disconnect Model
In Ireland there is already a Right to Disconnect for workers, developed as a Code of Practice with the support of Trade Unions back in 2021. Under this Code of Practice, Irish companies are encouraged by the government to engage with their staff on a Right to Disconnect company policy that makes clear exactly when you can and can’t be contacted outside of normal working hours for work related tasks and correspondence.
Whilst this isn’t a legal right, it has been used in legal cases where employees have brought claims of a breach of employment rights in the past. Companies are encouraged to create a Right to Disconnect policy with their employees and to include it in the company handbook to set clear boundaries for both employer and employee.
Belgium’s Right To Disconnect Model
Belgium go further than Ireland, in that their Right to Disconnect model is backed by legislation, making it a legal right for employees. However, the right only applies to companies with more than 20 employees. The idea here is that as businesses grow, they may need ‘all hands on deck’ from employees to ensure stability in the market and a competitive advantage.
Once a company has grown in numbers, however, the Belgium model ensures that employees are protected legally from being contacted outside normal working hours, unless previously agreed to.
What Might The UK’s Model Look Like?
Labour aim to introduce a Right to Switch Off as part of their New Deal for Working People (which also includes the previously discussed Employment Law Bill). It’s a package of measures designed to improve the work life of UK workers.
The government are making clear that any changes with regards to developing a Right to Switch Off will be carefully thought about and they will ensure that it does not disproportionately affect small businesses when drafting the bill.
How the Right to Switch Off will look or work in practice remains to be seen, but at Real Business we’ll update SME owners on any changes that directly affect their business as soon as we can. Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know and get SME news directly to your inbox.
