Business will continue to support safe working protocols

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has said that business recognises the role it must continue to play in supporting the suppression of rising Covid figures across the country. 

While the majority of offices are already working at reduced capacity, in line with today’s announcement from Government business will continue to fully support the Work Safely protocols. Clear guidance however is required to ensure that office working is available to those workers and individuals who have business reasons to avail of it.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, business has worked extensively with Government in ensuring full compliance with the Work Safely Protocol and it has been acknowledged in recent LEEF guidance that this has been happening successfully. Following today’s announcement, employers will continue to support the safe working protocols and, where possible, working from home.

“Business remains concerned that the last period of full remote working was exceptionally difficult for many working at home in cramped and unsuitable working conditions. For others, the isolation of full remote has impacted on mental health and well-being. Guidance is required as soon as possible with regard to ensuring office working can continue for those workers for whom it is a necessity.”

Ibec will continue to work with Government to explore how the necessary supports to the worst impacted sectors can be extended. The exceptional performance of the overall economy during the year has meant that Government has the necessary resources to support those sectors which are bearing the heaviest burden of these returned restrictions.