RISK

NEWS

Call for Government to introduce a ‘Right to Disconnect’ from work

9 Jun 2021

    • Union Prospect is calling for Government to introduce a ‘Right to Disconnect’ from work for UK workers, as it is becoming harder for workers to switch off from work. Remote working has accelerated the trend towards longer working hours, significantly increasing the risk of stress and burnout, and digital technology means that it is easier to be contacted and reminded about work out of hours.

    Prospect believes UK workers need a Right to Disconnect from work when they aren’t supposed to be working, and the Government needs to act.

    Why is this important?
    Research shows that working days are getting longer, and the conveniences of digital technology mean too many employees have found themselves in an ‘always on’ work culture. In turn, that is leading to increased stress levels and burnout. One in three workers say they’re struggling to switch off from work. As a result, employees’ mental and physical health is at risk, while not allowing workers the opportunity to switch off and participate in other activities often diminishes their ability to do a good job.

    The Working Time Regulations (1998) implemented the European Working Time Directive into UK law, stating that the average working time for each seven-day period, including overtime, must not exceed 48 hours. This means that, for every week, a worker should not work more than 48 hours, and in addition, they should have a minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours per 24-hour period. Every worker should have a minimum uninterrupted rest period of 24 hours in each seven-day period, as well as the 11 hours' daily rest. But this often doesn't happen with jobs that can be done from home, and working hours often seep into rest time.

    The ‘Right to Disconnect’ is becoming a reality in countries from France to the Philippines and Argentina to Ireland – Prospect believes it’s time the UK caught up and now is the time to act.

    The recent Queen's Speech was a missed opportunity for the government to introduce a new Employment Bill to shape the future of work, it says. The Government should introduce a ‘Right to Disconnect’ for all workers to help safeguard their health and make work better for everyone.

    You can sign the petition at Introduce a Right to Disconnect for all UK workers.