Can my employer force me to adopt teleworking when I'd rather work in the office?

Teleworking can be required as part of a job description for new starters, but if an existing office-based job is to be changed to teleworking, it should be a voluntary arrangement for both the worker and the employer.

The main terms of work are set out in the contract of employment entered into by an employer and an employee. This can be changed only by mutual or collective agreement (though some employers may attempt to enforce changes by dismissing staff and then offering new terms). So you can't be forced to telework, unless changes like this are provided for in your contract.

An attempt to force a substantial unwanted change to the contract may justify your resignation in protest. Such a resignation, if justified, would be a 'constructive dismissal'. See our section on changes to contracts of employment for more information.

As with most initiatives, teleworking is best introduced through mutual agreement. Someone forced to telework is unlikely to be as motivated or productive as someone who does so willingly.

Note: See our information on the legal status of teleworking