Source · Select Committees · Business and Trade Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 135
Establish mechanisms to detect threats to home workers from unreasonable employer expectations
Recommendation
We are not wholly persuaded that there is currently a need for immediate action to establish a statutory “right to disconnect”. But the Government should ensure that mechanisms and processes are in place to detect any significant threat to home workers from unreasonable expectations by employers of availability for work. The Government should also track “right to disconnect” initiatives in Canada and Ireland and elsewhere, to assess their value and effectiveness.
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes concerns about the blurring of boundaries between work and home, notes employer responsibilities, and will continue to monitor international approaches without introducing a statutory ‘right to disconnect’.
Paragraph Reference:
135
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises concerns about the blurring of boundaries between work and home. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that workers’ health is not affected by work-related stress, including ensuring that demands on their time are realistic. The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance to employers on tackling work-related stress, including advice on promoting a healthy work-life balance and practical steps employers can take. The Government has no current plans to introduce a statutory ‘right to disconnect’. We will continue to monitor international approaches and evidence in this area.