An agreement signed in Brussels between European employers and
trade unions has set up a general framework for improving
teleworkers’ working conditions in the EU. The agreement was the
result of a formal consultation process on “modernising and
improving employment relations", launched by the European
Commission in 2000. The new rules are expected to be implemented in
May 2005.
The agreement aims to give the 4.5 million teleworkers employed
in the EU more security, whilst maintaining business flexibility.
It also recognises that teleworkers should be afforded the general
protection granted to workers based on the employer’s premises.
The agreement defines teleworkers as:
- Home-based employed teleworkers, most of whom work
alternatively at home and on the employer’s premises;
- Self employed teleworkers who normally work from home;
- Mobile workers who spend at least 10 hours per week away from
home or their main place of work (for example on business trips or
travelling or on customers’ premises, during which time they use
on-line computer connections;
- Casual workers who could fall under the first group
(home-based), but spend less than 10 hours per week teleworking
from home.
Seven key areas are highlighted in the agreement where the
specific needs of teleworking should be taken into account: data
protection, privacy, equipment, health and safety, organisation of
work, training and collective rights issues. The implementation of
the agreement will be reported by member organisations. A European
report will be prepared within four years of the signing.
