Survey on behalf of Labour Party shows overwhelming support for right to flexible work

In a survey carried out by Ireland Thinks on behalf of the Labour Party, 71% of respondents agreed that employees who can work remotely should have the right to do so.

At a roundtable meeting of stakeholder groups, including the National Women’s Council, ICTU, SPARK, the Financial Services Union and the Disability Federation Ireland, in Dublin on Thursday, the Labour Party presented its new Right to Flexible Work Bill 2022.

Results of Ireland Thinks poll shows 81% of women, compared to 63% of men, agreed that workers should have the right to more flexible work.

Speaking at the event, Labour’s employment spokesperson Marie Sherlock said the gains for workers, families, communities, marginalised groups and the environment which have resulted from the greater adoption of flexible work practices during the pandemic must not be squandered.

Full results of the Ireland Thinks poll conducted on Friday 7th January 2022

The question asked was “Currently employees have a right to request to work remotely. However, should employees who can work remotely also have a right to do so?”

• 71% of respondents agree that employees who can work remotely also have a right to do so
• 81% of women agree that workers should have a right to flexible work
• 82% of low-paid workers (under €20k) agree with the right to flexible work
• 81% of people aged 25-34 years old agree that flexible work should be a right
• 67% of Dublin residents agree with the right to flexible work
• 74% of people living in rural areas believe employees who can work remotely also have a right to do so.