Workers now have the right not to answer calls and emails outside of work hours

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Workers now have the right to not respond to emails or answer calls outside of working hours.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has signed a new code of practice that gives employees the right to disconnect from work.

He's also started a consultation on proposed new laws giving people a right to request to work from home.

Employees who feel their rights have been breached will now be able to take a case to the Workplace Relations Commission.

There have been reports of people finding it difficult separate work life from home life during the pandemic, as many have been stuck in their homes.

Dr Laura Bambrick from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, says the code is necessary particularly considering the shift to working from home.