EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTER

Dear Colleagues

The Prime Minister is clear that getting more people back into work in a Covid-secure way will improve the public services we deliver, and will also provide a significant boost to the local economies where they are based. We have seen a reduced level of social interaction among our colleagues, with the loss of some of the spontaneous interaction and cross-fertilisation between teams that drives innovation and sustained common purpose. There have also been challenges with bringing on board new or inexperienced colleagues and limitations in the ability to mentor and develop our people, particularly those earlier in their careers. This is reportedly most acute for those without easy access to high-quality home-working facilities, for those in rented accommodation and for younger colleagues earlier in their careers. In short, it is the Government’s view that on the whole there are significant benefits to begained from working collaboratively in an office environment and – where possible – colleagues should now return to the office in line with Covid-secure levels. Alex Chisholm Civil Service Chief Operating Officer Sir Mark Sedwill Cabinet Secretary