- Long-standing work-from-home arrangements can become a fundamental term of your contract. If you’ve worked remotely for years, your employer generally can’t change that arrangement without your consent.
- Forcing a return-to-office without consent can amount to constructive dismissal. If your employer insists you come back and you’re not willing to, you may be entitled to walk away with your full severance package.
- Going along without protest can cost you that right. If you return to the office without objecting, it may be presumed you’ve consented to the change — which can eliminate your ability to later claim constructive dismissal.
What Should You Do Next?
If you’ve been told to return to the office after years of working from home, don’t comply automatically and don’t refuse outright before getting advice — both responses can affect your rights. Document how long you’ve worked from home, whether it was ever formally agreed to, and exactly what your employer is now demanding. Before responding to your employer, one way or the other, speak with a lawyer about how to protect your position, since simply going back to the office without objecting can be treated as consent. As the video explains, this is a situation where early legal advice changes your options significantly. Watch it above for the full explanation, and book a consultation before you respond to your employer.
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