The launch has been announced of the first Remote Working Policy for the Public Service following a pilot project which started in 2019 and the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Government said that this policy will offer full flexibility to Public Service employees to carry out their work from different places beyond their formal office, on a regular basis.

The policy enters into force from the 1st of October 2021, with a transition period of 18 months to shift from the existing teleworking system to the new remote working policy. This will enable the necessary changes in equipment and training to take place, the Government said.

Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar said this policy is the result of several months of work.

He explained that, “we first set a pilot project, then analysed the work performance during the COVID pandemic, and then a specially-appointed working group enabled this policy to be drawn up. I firmly believe this policy will continue to affirm the Public Service credentials as a key leader in the country on work-life balance.”

The policy launched today will make it possible to switch both individuals and entire sections and departments to work remotely.

It was explained that the Remote Working Policy also introduces guidance to ensure professional standards in service provision, data protection, employee wellbeing and use of technological equipment, as well as to safeguard laws, policies and sectoral agreements currently in force. “The policy will be embracing the principle of the right to disconnect.”

Specific training on both management and technological aspects will be provided by the Institute for Public Services to employees and head of departments, to increase access to this new system of operation within the Public Service.

The Remote Working Policy is available by clicking here.

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