- Previous government told officials to spend at least 60 per cent of time in office
- But Labour has so far refused to lay out a policy on the issue for civil servants
- Senior Labour ministers have told officials that they support ‘flexible working’
Fears are growing that the ‘work from home’ culture in Whitehall could see a resurgence under Labour.
The previous government told officials to spend at least 60 per cent of their time – the equivalent of three days in a week – in the office.
But Labour has so far refused to lay out a policy on the issue and has instead suggested its focus is on supporting staff to ‘deliver change’ instead.
The party has also failed to resume the publication of weekly data tables showing how many staff are in the office of each department.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner have told staff that they support ‘flexible working’.
Fears are growing that the ‘work from home’ culture in Whitehall could see a resurgence under Labour, despite the previous government urging civil servants back to the office
The previous government told officials to spend at least 60 per cent of their time – the equivalent of three days in a week – in the office, but Labour has so far refused to lay out a policy on the issue
Senior Tories fear this may mean home working becomes the ‘norm’ again, taking the country back to how it was run in lockdown.
Former Tory chairman Richard Holden raised the issue in a written parliamentary question.
The reply from Cabinet Office minister Georgia Gould said: ‘The Government’s entire focus is on the work of delivering change. The Government has not yet reviewed existing guidance on home working.
‘We will support the Civil Service with the necessary tools to ensure it can deliver that change.’
She added: ‘The Civil Service must ensure that it provides value for money.’
Last night Mr Holden told the Mail: ‘Taxpayers deserve clear guidance on how their money is being spent.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh has told staff that they support ‘flexible working’
Labour has also failed to resume the publication of weekly data tables showing how many staff are in the office of each department (file pic)
‘Sadly, the Labour Government don’t seem to even have a policy on civil servants working from home when we all know the productivity issues plaguing the public sector.’
In an email leaked to The Mail on Sunday, a senior official told the Immigration Enforcement unit that too many staff are failing to comply with the ‘minimum’ attendance policy of two days a week.
Shadow paymaster general John Glen added: ‘Under Labour it looks like working from home is the new norm.’
He said Labour was ‘putting civil servants’ demands over value for money and public sector efficiency’.