We just made a submission on remote working. Remote work can have benefits but can reinforce inequalities. Women, migrants, lone parents, workers aged under 30 and lower paid workers are less likely to be able to work remotely.

Remote working is not a substitute for childcare. The most effective and sustainable response to addressing childcare is to invest in a public model of early years education and care.

Remote working can provide flexibility to address barriers to work for disabled women, those with care responsibilities and women in rural areas but it must be accompanied by a right to disconnect.

Employers should ensure a culture that supports remote working for both men and women so that women do not become more invisible and miss out on economic opportunities.

Where home is not a safe space, the workplace can be. Supports for women experiencing #VAW must be considered in policy on remote working. Greater flexibility is no substitute for reduced working hours. We also need progress towards a 4-day week

Remote working must take place alongside progression towards the Living Wage and advances in workers’ rights.
Link to submission on our website https://www.nwci.ie/learn/publication/submission_to_dbei_on_guidance_for_remote_working