New Remote Work Strategy a welcome, timely recognition of our changing workplaces

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, commenting on the publication of the National Remote Work Strategy, has said that it is a timely recognition of the accelerating changes in our workplaces.

Maeve McElwee, Ibec Director of Employer Relations, said: “There has been an increasing trend towards more flexible and remote working in recent years and this pace of change has been vastly accelerated by COVID-19. We are pleased to see Government commitments to invest in necessary infrastructure such as remote working hubs, alignment with childcare facilities, and the National Broadband Plan, as well as reviewing tax arrangements to incentivise remote working.”

The proposals to introduce legislation will require careful development to meet a balance for businesses and employees in order to ensure competitiveness, equality and flexibility considerations are addressed. Allowing time for a full regulatory impact assessment, including the costs of administration of new employment legislation, will be critical.

Ibec also welcomes the recognition of increasing and promoting remote working skills in the report. Our recent research has identified this as an area of investment for businesses in 2021 and it will be central to delivering high quality remote working opportunities and productivity.