The Government has committed, in the Programme for Government, to mandating public sector employees to move to 20% home and remote working. In line with this commitment, the Government is committed to developing models of flexible working for the Civil Service. In that context, it is proposed that remote working will be facilitated on a blended basis, subject to the suitability of roles to be carried out remotely. A central policy framework for Blended Working in the Civil Service will be finalised over the coming months which focuses on the longer-term approach to remote working across the Civil Service.
My Department is currently implementing an Interim Blended Working Policy to facilitate transition arrangements to blended working for employees in the Department. This follows the announcement of public health measures to commence a gradual and staggered return to the office from 20 September, 2021. The Department is committed to implementing a policy of blended working that will ensure continued delivery of quality public services to Government, the public and business.
The number of employees in my Department is currently 364. All employees have been provided with the necessary IT support to enable remote working including access to a cloud based video conferencing system procured via open competition on e-Tenders, the Government's electronic tendering platform.
My Department will continue to provide employees with ongoing up-to-date guidance and supports on blended working arrangements.
