Remote Working: Implications for Wales

The Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee agreed to undertake a short inquiry into the implications for Wales of the Welsh Government’s proposals on remote working.

Summary

Following changes in behaviour seen during the COVID-19 pandemic the Welsh Government is aiming to “work with organisations to support a long term shift to more people working remotely.” It has defined remote working as “working outside of a traditional office or ‘central’ place of work.” This would include “working at home and close to home in your local community”. The Welsh Government has stated that it would like to have 30% of workers in Wales working remotely on a regular basis over the long term, but highlights that this is “not a target and no requirements will be put upon organisations and employers.”

Although the policy is still in development, if realised the Government’s remote working ambition would have a considerable impact on the Welsh economy, environment (both ecological and built) and transport network.

Terms of reference

The Committee explored the Welsh Government’s proposals around remote working, including the Government’s ambition of ‘30% of Welsh workers working from home or close to home’ on a regular basis, and the proposed development of remote working hubs. The Committee will look at the potential effects of this policy on Wales, in terms of impacts on:

• The economy and business;
• Town and city centres;
• Issues affecting the workforce, and skills
• Health (physical and mental) and wellbeing;
• Inequalities between different groups and different parts of Wales (including those areas of with poor connectivity);
• The environment; and
• The transport network and infrastructure.

The Committee will look at evidence from within Wales and the UK, but also at international examples where similar ambitions have been set.