Portugal passes new law on homeworking

Portugal has approved new legislation on working from home that offers added protection for staff who work away from company premises.

The new rules introduce penalties for employers who disturb the privacy of workers and their families and mean businesses have to compensate staff for work-related expenses incurred at home, including electricity and internet bills.

The new rules also stipulate that employers should avoid contacting workers outside office hours, other than in exceptional circumstances and that employees should meet with their managers at least every two months to prevent worker isolation.

A proposal to include the so-called ‘right to disconnect’ – the legal right to switch off work-related messages and devices outside office hours – was rejected. Employers who do not comply with the new rules will be fined. The amendments to Portugal’s labour laws will not apply to companies with fewer than ten employees.

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