Call for ‘right to switch off’ rule for Northern Ireland workers

But there are no plans for such a move  in Northern Ireland.

The right to switch off will allow employees to ignore work outside of normal working hours, including the right to not respond immediately to emails, telephone calls or other messages.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said he is aware of proposals for a right to switch off, but he believes "employers and employees are best placed to determine how their work is organised and structured".

"This is especially relevant given the increased use of technology as an enabler for flexible working and I would caution against being overly prescriptive at this time of great potential change in how employers and employees organise their working lives," he added.

"It is important that we do not inadvertently disadvantage people whose circumstances and need to work flexibly require them to work outside normal hours.

"This does not mean others should feel obliged, for example, to respond to e-mails received outside their own working hours. Outside the times that people are paid to work or be on call, they are entitled and should be encouraged to switch off from work.

"Achieving a good work-life balance is beneficial for employers in terms of increased staff motivation, employee retention and productivity, and for employees it creates space for personal and family life and responsibilities, facilitates wellbeing and the opportunity for quality time away from work."

Mr Lyons added that he believes the current employment law framework provides sufficient protection for workers.

SDLP economy spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin called on the Economy Minister to reconsider his position, stating staff should not be required to perform duties outside their working hours.

"They should also not be penalised for refusing to carry out their duties while off the clock and should not be subjected to emails and phone calls from other members of staff," she said.

“The coronavirus pandemic has eroded many people’s work-life balance. With huge numbers of people working from home, it is becoming harder and harder to separate the two and properly switch off.

"As the economy reopens, there needs to be a flexibility for staff as they return to a more normal way of working and employers should give them all the support required for this. Many people are already working long hours without being expected to do additional work for free.

“Being able to fully switch off from work without the threat of consequences would be a huge boost to many staff.

"It would allow them to spend more time with their friends and family and improve mental health by lowering stress and creating space for other activities. Happier staff would also result in better productivity and employee retention.

"The Minister should take this opportunity to show he backs workers and wants to improve their conditions.”