The possibility of working from home has now been extended throughout the public sector with a teleworking policy launched yesterday as part of government's family-friendly measures.

A number of civil service employees are already working from home, and have described their experience as one which allows them to combine work with their family life.

Gaetano Borg was all set to leave his job after 12 years at the pensions section of the Social Solidarity Ministry to take care of his two children. "My wife could not stop working so I was responsible for the household," he said.

Just over a year ago he started working from home, something that has also given him the opportunity to have a healthier bond with his family.

Olivia Cortis, another civil servant, was working on reduced hours before switching to a full-time teleworker. "I go to the office every morning and then continue the work from home. This gives me flexibility and allows me to take care of my young son," she said.

Both employees said telework allows them to have a better balance between family and work which is beneficial for both workers and their employer.

Joseph Camilleri, director general of the Social Security Department, said telework can be very beneficial if applied properly and it was important to choose the appropriate employees for the job. "It is important to be flexible and learn how to manage remotely," he said.

The policy was launched during a meeting of permanent secretaries yesterday afternoon. The aim is to set up a formal framework to run telework in Malta's public administration.

Although this policy applies to all employees, it is based on a voluntary agreement between the individual and the employer. The policy states that telework cannot be demanded as a right by the employee or enforced as an obligation by the employer.

An employee can work remotely if his job can be performed without a high degree of interaction with clients or colleagues, and without the need to access secure documents which cannot be removed from the workplace.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said she was certain the scheme would be very popular and described the teleworking policy as a courageous step.