Government Pushes for “Right to Switch Off” to Boost Productivity and Economic Growth
The UK government is considering implementing a “right to switch off” for workers, citing its potential to increase productivity and contribute to economic growth. This move comes after the Labour party promised to give employees the right to ignore work-related calls and emails outside of working hours, in an effort to prevent homes from becoming “24/7 offices.”
At a recent government meeting on mpox, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty joined ministers to discuss this proposal. The government is looking to models in other countries, such as Ireland and Belgium, where a “right to disconnect” already exists. The prime minister’s spokesperson stated that the plan aims to maintain a clear distinction between work and home life, ensuring that employees and businesses have the necessary arrangements in place to remain productive.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The proposed plans will take into consideration the varying needs of different companies and individuals, with the understanding that a “one size fits all” approach is not feasible. In Ireland, a Code of Practice was developed in 2021 in consultation with trade unions, requiring employers to engage with staff on a “right to disconnect” company policy. This code is not legally binding but can be used as evidence against employers in claims for breach of employment rights. In Belgium, the right to disconnect is backed by legislation and applies only to companies with more than 20 employees.
The pandemic has brought about a need for more flexible working practices, but it has also blurred the line between home life and working hours. This has led to a growing interest in the “right to disconnect,” with countries like France and Spain having similar rules in place for years. France, for example, granted employees the legal right to avoid emails outside of working hours back in 2017.
Labour proposed the “right to switch off” as part of its “New Deal for Working People” – a package of measures aimed at strengthening workers’ rights and boosting economic growth. The deal, promised in their election manifesto, stated that this right would allow workers and employers to have constructive conversations and collaborate on customized workplace policies or contractual terms that benefit both parties.
Reports have surfaced that under this plan, employees may be able to take their employers to a tribunal if their conditions of employment are breached, including consistent contact outside of agreed working hours, entitling them to larger compensation pay-outs. A government source told Sky News that the specific details of what “right to switch off” policies would entail are still being worked out. They also emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement between businesses and their workforce, rather than imposing it as a mandate.
“We’re conscious of the disproportionate impacts of these sort of policies on smaller businesses; that will factor into how we draft it,” the source said.
