We want to create an inclusive working environment for everyone, and remove barriers disabled employees may be facing at work. For many, hybrid working is a helpful adjustment. Most office-based employees will attend their workplace 2-3 times a week or as agreed with their team and manager in line with Network Rail’s Hybrid Working Policy

In terms of working from home long-term, Network Rail does not have a permanent homeworking policy or contract, and does not currently have plans to create one.

If someone feels they would benefit from working from home to support their health needs as an adjustment they should discuss this with their manager. Before any prolonged working from home is agreed, advice from occupational health must be sought. This advice should consider all options and should include what adjustments could support someone in attending their workplace.

Any prolonged homeworking is not a contractual change and must be kept under review to make sure the employee and business needs are being met. Reviews should seek to understand the current health situation and any improvements in the employee’s condition, or if they change role or the business requirements significantly change alleviating barriers to the workplace. For example, if someone is working from home to manage their poor mental health, we anticipate over time with the right support and adjustments that colleague will return to working per our hybrid working policy. Prolonged working from home in excess of the levels stated in the hybrid working policy is an exception to the Hybrid Working Policy and is only permitted in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear medical need. It will also require further approval on any automated flexible working requests via oracle.

However, there will be cases where an employee’s condition is stable, progressive, or unlikely to improve. In these cases, working from home may not need to be reviewed regularly, unless there is a significant change in business requirements or the colleague changes role. Further advice on specific cases please contact the adjustments team via their shared inbox – AdjustmentsTeam@networkrail.co.uk