Exclusive:Anger as civil servants told: if you don't like it then you are free to leave
Stephen Kerr’s comments over flexible working cause uproar among staff
A Scottish Government director told civil servants opposed to new office working rules they were “free to leave”.
Stephen Kerr, the Social Security Director, caused uproar among staff with the comments written on an internal message board.
In a post on the Saltire system in support of changes to flexible working, Mr Kerr wrote that if people dislike the new set up, “anybody is free to leave at any time.”
The remarks were swiftly removed and flagged for moderation but not before workers expressed outrage.
Some demanded an apology from the department head.
Mr Kerr’s statement was made in response to changes announced on Tuesday that affect office working.
Civil servants were told last year that they must work in a Scottish Government office at least 40 per cent of the time - or two days a week.
The rule was not officially enforceable, however, and it is understood a significant cohort of government employees continued to work solely from home.
Changes designed to formalise hybrid working are now mandatory and staff must work in the office for 40 per cent of the time or face disciplinary sanctions.
The move has caused fury among some staff who have raised concerns on the government’s internal message board.
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Civil servants also have access to Viva Engage, which is used to share information alongside the Saltire system.
Some have complained about the cost of commuting, the environmental impact of travelling to a central office and concerns about finding childcare or caring for pets.
New hybrid working comes into force in a month and complaints have further been made about the impact on Christmas and the short notice of the new arrangements.
Civil servants are able to comment and give feedback on Vive Engage with some leaving extremely blunt takes on their employers’ decisions.
The content of the message board has led to it earning the nickname Viva Enrage.
One insider said: “Staff use it as though it’s their personal Facebook page.
“Those of us able to conduct ourselves professionally read it with horror.”
New hybrid working rules were announced the day before staff were told about a redundancy scheme opening for those in C Band and senior civil servants (SCS).
The Scotsman exclusively told how ministers had opened a voluntary exit scheme for senior civil servants as part of sweeping £1 billion cuts.
The internal staff communication also stated the Scottish Government “remains committed to the No Compulsory Redundancy Policy”, despite an apparent u-turn on the pledge from public service reform secretary Ivan McKee.
Proposals offer staff one month’s pay for each year of service up to a maximum of 21 months.
For those already at retirement age, the payout will be capped at six months salary.
Exit payments worth more than £95,000 will be sent to ministers for approval once a decision has been made.
C Band civil service have a starting salary of £62,111and the staff notice says the government has seen “workforce growth since 2020” at that grade.
The staff communication read: “Resignations and retirements alone won't get us to the size and shape we need at these grades.”
Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Government were contacted for comment.
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