Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, has issued a warning stating that the Welsh government cannot justify keeping offices open if employees continue to work remotely. Despite the government’s aim to have staff work in the office two days a week, daily attendance in March averaged only 16%, with just 9% at a main hub in Merthyr Tydfil. The Welsh government, which employs about 5,700 staff across 20 sites, is conducting a review of office requirements in Powys due to the evolving work patterns of its employees.
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) expressed confidence in the current office arrangements, stating that there is no reason to believe they are not effective. The government’s 15 core offices, including hubs in Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberystwyth, and Llandudno Junction, account for running costs of £24.5m. Additionally, there are five other offices across Wales to ensure a dispersed presence and efficient service delivery to meet business needs.
Independent MS Russell George raised concerns in the Senedd about the future of the Newtown office in Powys, which had the highest average daily attendance in March at 22%. He emphasized the importance of having government offices across Wales to support local businesses and services. The review of Powys offices is set to be completed by the end of September to address the changing work landscape.
The Welsh government’s latest State of the Estate report for 2023-24 highlighted the under-occupation of offices as staff continue to work remotely. The report mentioned efforts to allocate more spaces to public sector tenants and to right-size office spaces. With the ongoing evolution of remote working practices, the nature of the government’s office estate is expected to change further, presenting opportunities for efficiencies. Additionally, the report mentioned public bodies like the Welsh language commissioner and the Food Standards Agency being given office space since the Covid pandemic
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.