Plans requiring staff from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to work in the office for at least 40% of the week provoked a vote to strike amongst PCS trade union members. The ballot, which enjoyed a turnout of 50%, saw 70% of respondents vote in favour of the industrial action. The ONS stated its belief that the measures were in the best interests of staff, but PCS leader Fran Heathcote accused the organisation of carelessly disadvantaging its workforce.
Current government advice is for most civil servants to spend at least 60% of their time in the office. ONS announced in November 2023 that workers would have to attend the office for a minimum of 20% of working hours from January, rising to 40% by April. The PCS warned of disruption, particularly for staff with other caring responsibilities. The union claims ONS has refused its requests to consider a more gradual and flexible transition to the new system.
The proportion of civil servants working from home surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the government has since indicated it would like officials to work from the office more regularly. Last year Chancellor Jeremy Hunt questioned the potential loss of creativity resulting from permanent remote working practices. Cabinet Office minister Baroness Neville Rolfe stated earlier this year that there were clear benefits to face-to-face workplace collaboration.
The PCS is encouraging the ONS to pause the implementation of its new policy and engage with the union to find a mutually agreeable solution, arguing that the proposed arrangements undermine the goodwill of its members. An ONS spokesperson reassured the public that there were plans in place to mitigate against disruption and maintain essential services should any industrial action take place
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