Remote working review seeks public input

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Workers in Kildare are urged to give their views on remote working to a public consultation that ends on 9 December, writes Brian Byrne. The consultation is part of a review of legislation that gives workers the right to request to work from home.

Though headlined as a significant milestone in modernising workplace entitlements, when the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 was passed, there were many complaints that the matter was too heavily weighted in the employer’s ability to refuse a request. 

The review announced last week provides an opportunity to hear directly from interested parties and obtain views on how the legislation is operating in practice.

Asking Kildare people to make their views on the legislation known, Kildare South TD and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said the review provides an opportunity to hear directly from interested parties. He also said that remote working can be 'transformative'. “It also broadens access to the labour market, helping parents, carers, and those living outside major urban centres to participate fully in the workforce.”

Submissions to the review can be made at this link. 

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Have you tried a local remote working hub?

Image: Venture House, Crookstown.

The government initiative to offer three days of working in remote working hubs is still open to people in this area, writes Brian Byrne.

The offer closes on 31 August, and provides the opportunity to sample working by remote away from the kitchen table. It's also a viable alternative to a long commute every day.

There are eight such hubs in Kildare, six of them in easy reach of Kilcullen. They are Venture House in Crookstown; The Hub in Ballymore Eustace; Newbridge Business Centre in Newbridge; ACDAL Remote Working Hub in Allenwood; National Equine Innovation Centre (NEIC) in Kildare town; MERITS in Naas; Premier Business Centres in Naas; and the County Kildare Chamber iHub in Naas.

Applications for the National Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme can be made here. 

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Jobs Club

The Kildare Jobs Club offers free training and support with CVs, Cover Letters, filling out Application Forms and in Interview Techniques.

The courses are aimed at people who either want to return to work or break out of unemployment.

The Club is operated by the County Kildare LESN and in addition to providing a focus for people who either want to go for further education, or find jobs suited to their current level of education, it is also useful to lone parents and school leavers.

Phone 045 522900 522821 for further information.