Post-covid malaise persists in the private sector
sir – Last week I ordered a selection of perishable foods online due to be delivered by DPD Local the next day. Four days later I discovered that DPD would not deliver my parcel as too much time had passed. The ordering company only operates via email with a minimum 24-hour response time, and DPD appears determined to ensure that no one can get in touch.
Do readers have other examples of private sector organisations that are in as much of a pickle as the Civil Service is said to be (Letters, May 24)?
Neil Turfrey
Kenilworth, Warwickshire
sir – We have an empty three-room flat that we are selling. When trying to contact British Gas to terminate our electricity and gas supply, we are told that all staff are advising customers on fuel poverty.
This is not surprising given that the provider is charging us £638.57 per month for an unoccupied flat.
John and Susan Hart
Bristol
sir – To determine whether home working is still reasonable, organisations – both government and commercial – could consider whether or not they use the word “Covid” in any telephone answer message.
If they do, it’s fair to conclude that their staff should be back in the office. Bryan Peak
Knutsford, Cheshire
sir – I have worked in HR for more than 30 years. Contracts of employment do state where the employee will be based while working for the organisation. Current legislation allows employees to apply for flexible working after 26 weeks. This can be refused by employers for sound business reasons.
Clearly the pandemic has changed the way businesses work. Continuing to allow civil servants and other public sector workers to work from home, however, is a mistake. Focusing solely on the achievement of targets is not enough. Young workers need the support of a team and face-to-face interaction with their manager. Organisational culture becomes fragmented due to endless Zoom calls.
Some flexible working is fine, but let’s get back to a system of proper applications.
Mervin Milton
Romford, Essex