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Remote Work Tribunals Plummet: A New Era?
12 Apr
Summary
- Tribunal cases concerning remote working fell 13% in 2025.
- Rising unemployment and flexible working rights contribute to the decline.
- Employers gain leverage as job vacancies decrease.
The number of employment tribunals in England, Scotland, and Wales related to remote working decreased by 13% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This marks the first decline in six years, ending a trend that saw cases rise tenfold since 2019. Experts suggest that a tightening labour market, evidenced by rising unemployment to 5.2% and falling job vacancies, has made employees more reluctant to risk their jobs over remote working disputes.
The introduction of the right to request flexible working from day one of employment in April 2024 may also encourage employees to resolve issues internally. Furthermore, a recent tribunal ruling that rejected a senior manager's claim for full-time remote work may have emboldened employers. Consequently, some companies are increasing their office attendance requirements, with potential for future increases in tribunal cases if resistance grows.
