Work from home guidance to be relaxed on Monday

Guidance urging people to work from home wherever possible in Scotland is to be relaxed from Monday.

Employers have been asked to phase workers back into spending some time in the office with a "hybrid" system of office and remote working.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move was possible due to a "significant" fall in Covid-19 cases.

But she warned that a "mass return" to offices overnight could run the risk of pushing infection levels up again.

She said: "We would not expect to see a wholesale return to the office next week - indeed, given that the level of infection though falling remains high, a mass return at this stage is likely to set progress back.

"But we know there are many benefits to both employees and employers, and to the economy as a whole, in at least a partial return to the office at this stage."

Reaction

Responding to the first minister’s update on the pandemic response, Russell Borthwick, chief executive at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) said: “The lifting of the legal requirement to work from home is the good news that many office-based businesses have been waiting to hear.

“Our city centres have been crippled by these restrictions and it is welcome that businesses and their employees can get back to work and revive our economies. The early return of this missing footfall might just avoid further closures and the existential erosion of our high streets."

Empower employers

However, Mr Borthwick cautioned against government intervention in the development of working practices going forward.

He added: “Future hybrid working models are likely to happen, however, it is important to recognise that it is not the role of government to interfere in the relationship between companies and their staff by mandating or even advising a permanent change in office working in the future. Employers and employees are best placed to decide what works for them.

“Companies have spent millions on making workplaces safe for staff and visitors and from today these businesses can begin the process of returning to full capacity and productivity.

"It’s time to revert to the tried and tested solution of individual and corporate responsibility.”