Remote Jobs Ireland · Guide
Your right to request remote working in Ireland
Since 7 March 2024, every employee in Ireland has a legal right to request remote working, under Part 3 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. It's a right to ask and to get a written answer, not a right to work remotely. [R1], [R2]
Last reviewed:
Timeline
| Ask from day one | An approved arrangement can't start before 6 months' continuous employment (a gap of up to 26 weeks with the same employer counts as continuous). [R3] |
|---|---|
| Request in writing | Signed, at least 8 weeks before the start date. [R3] |
| Employer decides | Within 4 weeks. [R4] |
| Employer can extend | By up to 8 more weeks if it has difficulty assessing the request, with written notice. [R4] |
What to include
The arrangement and days, your reasons, start date and duration, proposed location, and why it's suitable (e.g. a suitably equipped workstation). The WRC Code of Practice has a template application in Section 3. [R1], [R5]
What your employer considers
Its own needs, your needs, and the Code of Practice; e.g. whether duties can be done remotely. [R1], [R4]
Outcome
Approval is an agreement signed by both of you; a refusal must be in writing with reasons. [R4], [R1]
You must not be victimised for requesting remote working. [R4], [R1]
Ending an arrangement
The employer must propose it in writing with reasons, give you 7 days to respond, and give at least 4 weeks' notice of the return date (unless the arrangement ends sooner). [R1]
If you're unhappy
Try to resolve it informally, then use your employer's formal process. Citizens Information says you can complain to the WRC about a breach of the Code within 6 months, extendable by 6 months for reasonable cause. [R1]
Frequently asked questions
Do I have a legal right to work from home?
It's a right to ask and to get a written answer, not a right to work remotely. [R1], [R2]
When can I ask?
Ask from day one, but an approved arrangement can't start before 6 months' continuous employment (a gap of up to 26 weeks with the same employer counts as continuous). [R3]
How long does my employer have?
The employer decides within 4 weeks. The employer can extend by up to 8 more weeks if it has difficulty assessing the request, with written notice. [R4]
Can my employer refuse?
Yes, a refusal must be in writing with reasons. [R4]