Office workers have no legal right to work from home, says Downing Street
DOWNING Street has ruled out giving office staff a legal right to work from home. Ministers are consulting on making flexible working a default option unless employers have good reasons not to.
Nicola Sturgeon ensures that Scotland 'must work from home'
But No.10 insisted there are "significant benefits" from staff returning to workplaces after Covid restrictions have been lifted. The Prime Minister's spokesman said the benefits included "innovation, delivery, supporting and developing people and ensuring people have a higher quality working environment".
Boris Johnson promised to legislate for flexible working at the last general election.
Business leaders said working patterns have changed but a balance must be struck.
Matthew Percival, CBI director of people and skills, said: "Companies and their employees are keen to keep the benefits of working from home.
"However, sharing a workplace still has its benefits.The office is vital for training, collaboration and helping colleagues socialise. It is also a vital space for people whose home working environment can be challenging for mental health."
The PCS union said the Government must not "under any circumstances" order civil servants in England to return to the office.