Portugal has banned bosses from text messaging and emailing staff out of working hours

Portugal has banned bosses from text messaging and emailing staff out of working hours as part of new laws dubbed "right to rest".

The move is part of changes being introduced to improve work-life balance in response to an expansion of working from home in the country.

Companies with more than 10 staff could face fines if they contact employees outside their contracted hours.

There are also new rules on allowing staff with children to work remotely.

Parents will be about to work at home indefinitely without seeking prior approval from their employers until their child turns eight.

And companies may also have to contribute to higher household bills from being home-based, such as energy and internet costs.

However, some elements of the package were not approved by Portugal's parliament, including a "right to disconnect" allowing staff to turn off all work devices out of hours.

[Source: BBC]