New government buildings built on basis they will only be half-full

New government buildings are being laid out on the assumption they will only ever be half-full as Civil Servants continue to WFH

  • Guidance has been changed because ‘average attendance’ will be lower in future
  • But Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP said staff should ‘turn up to work’ in their offices

New Government buildings are being laid out on the assumption they will only ever be half-full, as many civil servants are still working from home.

Rules for office design have been quietly changed because ‘average attendance will be lower’ as a result of the new working practices.

Guidance had been on the basis two-thirds of staff would be at their desk – but that has now been cut to half. 

It comes amid fears Whitehall’s WFH culture is damaging the delivery of public services. 

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly was forced to defend Foreign Office staff working from home last week as the Sudan crisis began.

It comes amid fears Whitehall’s WFH culture is damaging the delivery of public services

Last night former Cabinet minister Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: ‘Ministers have lost control. 

‘Staff should turn up to work in the places they were meant to occupy. It seems like a poor service and could damage people’s lives.’ 

Latest figures last month show just 48 per cent of HM Revenue & Customs staff were at their desks.

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