Workers’ paradise? Portugal’s new teleworking law takes flak

Sampaio at her computer as she works from home, in Lisbon. Portugal’s new law on working from home has grabbed attention around the world for the way it protects staff. There’s just one problem: the law might not work. — AP

LISBON, Portugal: Portugal’s new law on working from home makes the European Union country sound like a workers’ paradise.

Companies can’t attempt to contact their staff outside working hours. They must help staff pay for their home gas, electric and Internet bills. Bosses are forbidden from using digital software to track what their teleworkers are doing.