Minister Treacy Launches Code of Practice on e-Working

Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for Science, Technology and Commerce, today (Wednesday 10^th May 2000) launched the Code of Practice on e-Working in Ireland. Joining the Minister launching the Code were Mr. Peter Cassells, General Secretary, ICTU and Mr. John Dunne, Director General, IBEC.

Minister Treacy said "e-Working is about working outside of the normal office environment and is an increasing phenomenon given the availability of modern technologies that can facilitate mobility in the workplace. If e-working is to become a mainstream business reality it is essential that a clear framework is in place to inform employers and those interested in e-working what exactly is involved in establishing such arrangements. This Code provides a framework for Ireland to develop as a location which is conducive to e-Working".

The Report of the National Advisory Council on Teleworking, which was presented to the Minister in June, 1999 included a Code of Practice, which the Council recommended would be endorsed and adopted by the Social Partners. Included in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness is a commitment to endorsing the Code and the Government, IBEC and ICTU have lost no time in endorsing this Code, to be known as the "Code of Practice on e-Working in Ireland". The Minister explained that the term "e-work" is intended to present a more modern, dynamic image of teleworking.

The Code provides valuable information and will be of great assistance in identifying and clarifying key issues that need to be addressed in introducing an e-working policy in firms and organisations, e.g. identification of jobs suitable for e-working and e-worker identification, practical considerations such as home office, method of communications, reporting arrangements, health and safety. The Code also provides a useful overview of the legislation affecting employees' rights and employers' obligations. The position of self-employed e-workers is also considered. A sample e-Working agreement is included which can be tailored to suit individual circumstances. It is intended that the Code be updated and reviewed on a regular basis.

The Minister urged all those contemplating an e-work arrangement to consider the Code of Practice closely. "I am certain that paying attention to the Code's provisions will facilitate the introduction of effective e-work arrangements. If the potential for e-work is to be exploited fully, for the mutual benefit of employers and employees, it is vital that areas of uncertainty are minimised or eliminated and clear ground rules are established which inspire confidence in both parties. This Code of Practice should prove invaluable in this respect."

Mr. Peter Cassells of ICTU said "Irish business must be prepared to take full advantage of developments in e commerce. This requires human innovation, technological training and strategic planning. Workers and their unions have a crucial role to play in the process of implementing e-commerce policies. By using this partnership approach in the workplace, individual companies can achieve the same results as partnership has achieved at national level".

Mr. John Dunne of IBEC said "I welcome the progress of the E-work Action Programme in promoting e-work and developing Ireland as an 'e-work friendly location'. E-work can offer Irish business the potential to develop new business opportunities and maintain competitiveness. The benefits of e-working are also being acknowledged by employers as part of a flexible solution to staff retention issues, particularly for employees with family responsibilities or those who spend long periods commuting".

The Minister said that Government should show itself as a leader in the implementation of e-working and there is a commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness that the Government will introduce teleworking options into mainstream public service employment and, additionally, all publicly funded organizations will develop a teleworking policy for implementation by 2002. Pilot projects are likely to commence in a number of Departments in the near future. Minister Treacy added that he would be playing his part through the establishment of a home office in Galway, which would allow him to experiment with connectivity to the Department's sites in Dublin.

(Copies of the Code are available from the Information Unit, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment - Tel: 6312121 and on the Department's web site - www.djei.ie/e-work)