Labour has committed to making it more difficult for employers to prevent employees from working remotely, according to a speech given by Louise Haigh at the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) in Brighton. Haigh, who holds the role of deputy prime minister, stated that companies would need to "properly" evaluate an employee's request for remote work before turning it down. She emphasized that businesses should engage in discussions with workers to clearly explain any refusal, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Haigh also commended trade unions for their role in shaping the Employment Rights Act, describing it as the most significant boost to workers’ rights in decades. Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the TUC, highlighted the importance of flexible working arrangements, stating that they are "not just a perk – it's a lifeline" for many employees. He noted that the proposed changes would make it harder for employers to deny such requests while also empowering workers to have a stronger voice in the process. This comes amid research from last year that found nearly half of UK businesses now prefer employees to return to the office full-time. A survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) involving over 500 businesses also revealed that 10% of companies reported losing staff due to the lack of flexible working options. Haigh also raised concerns about the potential risks that artificial intelligence (AI) could pose to national security, urging the implementation of appropriate safeguards to manage these threats. While remote work has existed for years, its widespread adoption became a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, many workers have chosen not to return to the office full-time, despite calls from some senior leaders for a return to in-person work. Proponents of office-based work argue that having all employees together can enhance productivity and innovation.