SNP BID TO GET MORE PEOPLE WORKING FROM HOME
Outrage over radical plan to increase remote working ... to cut POLLUTION
SCOTS are to be encouraged to continue working from home under a radical SNP plan to tackle pollution.
The Scottish Government has already forced hundreds of thousands of people to ditch the office to help reduce the spread of Covid.
Now the SNP’s controversial new transport strategy says that working from home should be considered as a permanent measure as it could help the environment by reducing car use.
The plan could spell the end of big city centre offices and instead see more Scots either working from home or remotely in local government-approved community hubs – with the Government insisting that the pandemic has shown ‘the potential of home working’.
However, furious business leaders last night hit back, saying it was up to employers and workers to decide where they should be based.
They also warned that the obsession
with working from home was badly hitting productivity at a time when Scotland faces a cost of living crisis and needs to rebuild the economy after the pandemic.
The plans are set out in a Transport Scotland report, ‘A route map to achieve a 20 per cent reduction in car kilometres by 2030’.
Alongside measures such as a 20mph national speed limit for built-up areas by 2025, it sets out a vision of a new approach to work, in which Scots would increasingly see colleagues on a screen.
The report states: ‘There is clear value in in-person social interaction and we do not wish to restrict people’s opportunity to travel.
‘However, there will be a range of circumstances where people can be supported to live better lives by freeing up the time and cost associated with travel.
‘Changes in working patterns during the pandemic have resulted in much attention on the potential of home working to reduce commuter travel and emissions.’
The report acknowledges that home working is not feasible in some job roles. It also highlights that some people might not have ideal working conditions at home.
Instead, it suggests shared office hubs in disused buildings in residential areas by ‘repurposing existing buildings, or by developing new pop-up communities’.
Working from home has at times been a recommendation, but last month it was made a legal requirement. That is expected to end next month and it remains to be seen if a longer-term approach would be legally mandated.
The report warns that, as well as encouraging and incentivising people not to drive, measures are also needed to discourage Scots from getting behind the wheel. It discloses that a ‘shortlist of options’ to ‘discourage car use’ will be unveiled this year, including potential road taxes. Scots also face being charged for parking at the office from March 4, when councils get powers to introduce a workplace levy.
It is likely that many staff and businesses will choose to work from home at times, but bosses say this should be a decision for them, not Ministers.
Liz Cameron, chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: ‘The time for directional guidance from government on working from home has passed. Employers and employees are best-placed to decide what works best for them.
‘Research from the Fraser of Allander Institute has highlighted that 60 per cent of employers have reported negative impacts on productivity, innovation and collaboration in working from home, with only 10 per cent of employers reporting that it has improved productivity.
‘While remote working can be beneficial in appropriate circumstances, it struggles to replicate the same team-building and teamworking ethos more easily embedded through office working.
‘This impedes creativity and rapport and is a detriment to forming the relationships that a business thrives on.
‘We have urged the Scottish Government
to allow the return to offices to kickstart the economy and provide a vital boost to retailers who rely on office worker footfall. It is critical that the Scottish Government moves to lift this guidance as soon as possible.’
Murdo Fraser, Scots Tory Covid recovery spokesman, said: ‘Businesses, not the SNP Government,
‘Proposals could wreak havoc on high streets’
are best placed to decide on working patterns. The SNP has ignored the economic damage caused by work from home requirements and these proposals could wreak even more havoc on our high streets.’
The Scottish Government has pledged to invest heavily to encourage people to work within 20 min
utes of their homes, as a way of reducing car use. A spokesman said: ‘The places we live have a direct impact on our health and the environment. As set out in the Programme For Government, we’ll deliver on our vision for “20-minute neighbourhoods” – places where people can have their needs met locally, reducing emissions and encouraging active travel.
‘We will invest £325 million to support community-led regeneration and town revitalisation, including the repurposing of buildings, reallocating external space and community-led land acquisition.
‘We have undertaken analysis to understand the economic, social, environmental, wellbeing and inclusivity impacts that a shift to remote working might have.’
The approach in Scotland is in marked contrast to England where staff are being urged to return to conventional office working.