The U.K. is considering joining a host of other European countries in making it more costly for restless employers to contact their employees after the working day ends.
The country’s fresh-faced Labour government is drafting legislation that would outlaw late-night WhatsApps, emails, and Slacks and potentially fine dissenting bosses heftily.
While commonplace across Europe, legislation giving workers a “right to disconnect” has lagged behind in the U.K., but now might become more European if reported changes to work culture are implemented.
Why fine? Why not outlaw it completely? Make it illegal and close all loopholes. No matter the industry, contact by employers during employees’ off time should be illegal (this includes employees’ lunch/break time). Of course, there are a small exception for on-call doctors, medical emergency staff, fire department, etc.