Dundee West MP Chris Law has criticised the Department of Work and Pensions over the slow pace of transition to homeworking for its Dundee workforce, following the publication of new rules on homeworking earlier this week by the Scottish Government.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey MP, Mr Law highlighted the Department’s workforce at Lindsay House as just one area where transition to homeworking has been slow. Whilst many in the workforce were supported to transition to homeworking in March last year, those who continued to physically work in the building have yet to be supported, despite promises by senior leadership to the contrary.
The Scottish Government announced earlier this week new guidance on homeworking, encouraging employers to support homeworking where possible to reduce the chance of transmission of COVID-19. By law, employers must take all reasonable steps to minimise the risk of the incidence and spread of coronavirus.
Mr Law said:
“I have heard from far too many constituents who work for the DWP over the last fortnight concerned about their working conditions and the lack of support given to move to homeworking. This is causing undue stress and worry on staff who are doing their best to keep this country moving.
“As the rest of the country continues their transition to home working in the face of the rising transmission of COVID-19, I find it astonishing that the DWP is dragging its heels in supporting home working for essential staff.
“We know that home working is possible – I hope that the DWP will do the right thing and support remaining staff physically working in office to homeworking as soon as possible.”
Chris Law 