A POLICY blueprint to protect people who work at home from attacks on their wages and conditions has been launched by general union Unite today.

The drive follows a suggestion from an unnamed cabinet minister that civil servants who continue working from home as lockdown restrictions are lifted should be paid less than workers who return to workplaces.

Unite says the proposal “threatens to open the floodgates for unscrupulous employers to attempt to cut workers’ pay” — and has vowed to support home workers who come under attack.

Working from home can make workers happier and more productive, but that the practice should be introduced by negotiation — not imposition, said Unite.

Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: “Covid 19 has changed the way we work but it is absolutely imperative that we stand up to bad bosses who try to attack workers’ pay and conditions.

“Unite has produced a framework homeworking agreement to assist Unite workplace representatives in their negotiations. 

“The protection of pay and conditions is a cornerstone of the agreement. 

“Home working can be good for some, but agreements need to be in place to protect workers, for example the right to disconnect.”

As reported in the Morning Star, some employers have exploited home workers by contacting them on work issues after their shifts have finished.

Ms Graham, one of the candidates running to succeed general secretary Len McCluskey, said: “It is important to remember that home working done badly can lead to more work for the same pay. 

“It can also lead to stress and depression, as well as health and safety risks from working in an unsuitable environment.

“It is vital that employers now recognise that home working is an issue for negotiation, not imposition and that we will be demanding adequate protection for our members.”

The blueprint stresses that working from home must be voluntary, and states: “It is important that workers do not suffer any detriment because of home working. 

“Their contractual terms, conditions and level of remuneration must not be diminished; they must be treated equitably with other workers in regards to career prospects; they must not carry the burden of any extra costs related to home working and they must have full access to the union on an equal basis with other workers.”