The Peruvian government has established an interesting initiative, publishing the regulation of the act that rules telecommuting. The document states that telecommuting is a special mode of working characterized by the use of information technology and telecommunications and that it shall benefit the employability of vulnerable sectors of the population.

The regulation is to be applied for private and public institutions and it seeks to promote public policies to ensure its development, enabling work life-balance.

According to the Peruvian Ministry of Labour and Employment (MTPE), the regulation enables a proper implementation of telecommuting and improves the employability among vulnerable people.

The act includes workers and public servants who work under this modality, as well as natural or legal people and public entities that employ these workers.

According to the act, telecommuting may be developed under two modalities: the first is full-time and the telecommuter works outside of the workspace, having the possibility of occasionally going to the company’s or public organization’s office in order to coordinate activities or attend meetings; the second modality is a combination in which the telecommuter alternates working within and outside the workspace.

The act makes it clear that people who only occasionally works outside the workspace may not be considered a telecommuter.

As regards telecommuters’ rights and benefits the regulation says that these are the same to the rights and benefits of regular workers. In addition telecommuters must receive the distinctive features of the regime under which they develop their activities.

Telecommuters’ rights include: training in computer and telecommunication technologies, maternity leave, health and safety at work, among others.

Finally, the act states that the employer must prioritize workers who come from vulnerable populations and who fit the requisites of the telecommuting position offered.

Public bodies will developed a Telecommuting Commission, expressing the commitment they have made of identifying jobs that can be performed under this modality