LRD guides and handbook August 2015

Working from home - a negotiator's guide for trade union reps

Chapter 4

Privacy

[ch 4: page 27]

Homeworkers are entitled to privacy and it should be made clear which hours they are available for work and when they should not be contacted. Home visits may be required for health and safety assessments or IT maintenance but the homeworker should be given prior notification and have given their consent.

Monitoring systems should only be used with the full knowledge of the worker and the reason they are being used should be fully explained. It is crucial that any such measures taken are appropriate.

One rep told LRD that some members felt that they are being clock-watched due to the use of software that shows whether you are on or offline.