The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is asking the Government to introduce a remote working fund for SMEs in Budget 2022.
According to the ACCA, the additional costs associated with purchasing equipment and tech to support their employees to work remotely will put “considerable strain” on SME’s financial resources.
The Government’s new remote working legislation and the uplift in tax credits for remote workers will help transform the new hybrid working environment. However, an additional aid as remote working fund is required.
Caitriona Allis, Head of ACCA Ireland expressed that a fund that supports SME digitalisation would enhance the Government’s proposed remote working approach and will serve to help small businesses grow.
“We are excited by the Government’s new proposals for remote working and the opportunities it will bring for regional Ireland, however, for a widespread adoption of remote working to be achieved, our feedback from SMEs is that a fund that would financially support this move is needed. Whilst businesses quickly pivoted during the pandemic and embraced digital technologies, there are many who have not been able to adopt a robust remote working policy due to a lack of resources, and a fund would help bridge the digital divide in the economy,”
Caitriona Allis, Head of ACCA Ireland
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