Police Scotland staff who work from home are being ordered back to the office under a shake-up of hybrid working arrangements. Bosses are preparing to issue new guidance covering civilian employees in a number of support roles.
The force introduced home working for eligible staff during the covid pandemic in 2020, when lockdown restrictions were imposed. Since then, some employees have continued to work under hybrid arrangements, allowing them to split their time between home and the workplace where this has been operationally authorised.
New guidance for non-frontline staff
Police Scotland is now preparing to change the guidance for certain non-frontline staff, with some expected to spend more time in the office. The arrangements are not yet in force but guidance is due to be issued next month.
Police Scotland says the change is intended to provide a fair framework for eligible staff while avoiding a culture of “presenteeism” – where workers are expected to be physically present just for the sake of being seen in the workplace.
Concerns for working parents
However, concerns have been raised that the move could cause difficulties for employees, particularly working parents who have built childcare arrangements around home working. A source said: “Changing working arrangements and making people come back into the office makes it more difficult for parents who have been able to work around childcare arrangements while still being able to fulfil their role.”
Police Scotland said: “Following engagement with unions and staff associations, we are providing guidance around hybrid working for the minority of officers and staff it applies to and in very specific roles and appropriate where a level of flexibility can be accommodated.
“The vast majority of policing is done in person, policing is a 24/7 emergency service and will always require an agile and flexible approach to meet demand. Hybrid working is an element of how many organisations, including policing, operate. Guidance in this area can help ensure benefits are not lost in the pursuit of presenteeism, while providing a framework for a fair approach for colleagues.”
