Public services union Fórsa has welcomed a new framework agreed between unions and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform allowing civil servants to apply to work “blended” arrangements – combining home/remote work with normal working. Workers whose requests are denied have the right to a review with the aim to resolve the issues that led to the refusal. The framework places a responsibility on managers to ensure a “fair and effective” system with strong supports, staff development, communications, and effective performance management. And it says there can be no change to a worker’s pay and working conditions on the basis that they have blended working arrangements. It also requires employers to conduct health and safety assessments, which it says should determine specific risks and outline any information or training needs. The framework also requires employers to provide the necessary equipment to home workers. The union said it now wants the framework to be quickly rolled out across the entire civil and public service.
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