The Public and Commercial Services Union has urged ministers to end rules requiring civil servants to commute to work for at least three days a week. The union said the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran was pushing up costs for workers already struggling with increases in fuel prices, energy bills predicted to rise by 20%, and higher food prices. The union described office working as out of step with worsening financial pressures and said it placed more strain on public sector workers who face lower pay.
The PCS highlighted advice from the International Energy Agency, which recommended two weeks ago that countries reduce energy consumption through home working to limit the impact of higher fuel costs. The IEA's guidance for businesses and individuals also included using public transport instead of cars, driving slowly, avoiding air travel and switching from gas stoves to electric. The recommendations were rejected by Labour, with the Prime Minister's official spokesman telling the public that Britain has a diverse and resilient supply and people in the UK should continue to go about their days in normal fashion.
We have a diverse and resilient supply. People in the UK should continue to go about their days in normal fashion.
It is understood that Labour has no plans to change the policy that asks civil servants to spend at least 60% of their time working in an official building, a mandate set by the previous Conservative government. The PCS claims that civil servants are poorly paid, despite Britain's bureaucrats benefiting from higher salaries than their private sector counterparts on top of better holiday entitlements, more sick leave, and significantly more generous pensions.