Coronavirus: MLA calls for inquiry into remote working

SINN Féin’s Caoimhe Archibald has called for the economy committee to undertake an inquiry on remote working.

Many people here are now working from home to prevent catching and spreading the deadly COVID-19 virus

It’s one of the single biggest changes to public life since restrictions were put in place in March.

Said the East Derry MLA: “Over the past number of weeks we’ve all had to adopt new ways of working, these have both greats benefits but also challenges.

“It is likely many of us will continue to work from home on a full or part-time basis over the next number of months and for some, these new ways of working may be adopted or change how businesses operate on a permanent basis.

“Remote working has the potential to bring about better work life balance and improve regional balance, as people commute less and spend more time in their own communities; reducing commutes also has environmental benefits reducing emissions from traffic.

“However, consideration must be given to clear guidance for both employers and employees and any legislative requirements in that regard, including the ‘right to switch off’.

“My party colleague John O’Dowd and I therefore proposed that the Economy Committee look at this issue in detail through a committee micro inquiry,” added Sinn Fei’s Economy spokesperson.

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