Coronavirus: Civil servants ‘return to offices quickly’

The government has urged Whitehall bosses to “move quickly” to return to office at a higher staff fee.

In a letter seen by the BBC, he says he “strongly encourages” attendance by Rota Systems, arguing that this would be “greatly beneficial”.

It follows criticism that many fewer civil servants working from home have returned to their desks despite the ease of lockdown due to the coronavirus.

But unions have called the government’s stance outdated.

They say most civil servants should expect to be able to work from home until the end of the year and that they are at increased risk of catching coronavirus when they return with colleagues.

Suggested analysis of mobile phone data last month Only 17% of UK workers Returned to the office.

The government has launched a campaign To encourage people to return to the workplace Business leaders, including the head of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), warned that city centers Can become “ghost towns”.

Dame Caroline Fairben from the CBI said thousands of businesses that rely on passing trade are suffering while offices are empty.

But Alex Brazier, executive director of Bank of England for Economic Stability, warns that the government One should not expect “sharp returns” for the “ga office fee environment”.

The government says it wants 80% of civil servants to be able to be present at their normal workplace at least once a week by the end of September.

And Prime Minister Boris Johnson has asked officials for a weekly update on progress.

In a letter to Permanent Secretaries – top officials – to government departments, Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill and Civil Service Chief Operating Officer Alex Chisholm say “it will work to bring more people back to work in a cod-safe way. Improve the public services we deliver.”

He adds: “We have reduced social interaction among our peers, including the loss of some spontaneous interaction and cross-fertilization between teams running to sustain innovation and general purpose.”

But he says employee safety remains “our best concern”, and that workplace compensation will be discussed with unions and staff groups.

The letter goes on to say: “Departments that are still below their departmental barriers should now move quickly to try to bring more staff back to the fees in a covid-safe manner, and take advantage of the return to schools and increased public transport availability this month.” . “

The FDA union, which represents senior civil servants, said this week that it estimates 30% to 40% will be able to return In office fees by the end of the year.

Leader Dave Penman accused ministers of “sounding like ludites” in an age when techno-home makes homework easier.

And Mark Servotka, general secretary of the Union of Public and Commercial Services, said he was prepared to consider industrial action “as a last resort” if workers’ health and safety were “put at risk”.

Meanwhile, a major government contractor – outsourcing firm Capita It plans to close more than a third of its offices in the UK permanently.