People are working longer hours than ever before. Corporate culture of presenteeism was challenged by the pandemic, but we know that technology continues to blur the lines between work hours and home time. The government has updated a Code of Practice for employers, but this is a blunt tool that does not go far enough. 

The Labour Party want every person to have the right to switch off from work to stop the exploitation of workers. Our Bill would update our laws and put clear protections in place, following best practice in countries like France, Spain, Italy and Belgium

We must put in place a legal right to switch off to end any blurring of the lines. Spending all day in the office and all evening answering emails remotely is not good for workers and it’s not good for employers. We need to put in place firm legal protections that preserve work-life balance and protect all workers, including those who work remotely and flexibly.