The Workplace Relations Commission
("WRC") has published a new Code of
Practice for Employers and Employees on the Right to Disconnect
("Code").
It is effective immediately and applies to all types of
employment.
The Code does not create any new substantive rights for
employees or offences for an employer. However, like the WRC's
other codes of practice, it is intended to provide guidance to
employers and employees. It is admissible as evidence in claims
before the WRC and shall be taken into account when determining the
issue or dispute before it.
The Code is designed to complement and support the existing
rules in place regarding hours of work and to provide assistance to
employees who feel pressured to routinely work longer hours than
those agreed in their contract of employment.
