NHS England has “paused” its demand for staff to work in the office for at least 60% of their working time following opposition from staff and trade unions.  

MiP and other unions filed a collective grievance on behalf of members after NHS England announced in December that it would increase its office-working requirement from 40% to 60%, without consulting staff or unions.

But in February, NHS England director Sarah-Jane Marsh confirmed the decision would not be implemented “at this time” and staff could continue to work 40% of their time in the office.

“This is a welcome and sensible step from the employer,” said MiP’s national organiser, Rebecca Hall.

Unions had called for the decision to be reversed, saying it was arbitrary and unsupported by evidence, and had ignored NHS England’s lack of office capacity.

“MiP members were clear that changing in-person working requirements in the middle of a major organisational change process made little sense,” added Hall. “Making this change without any evidence base, and without engaging staff or their unions, suggested it was driven far more by politics than the needs of the organisation.”

She welcomed NHS England’s commitment to consult and engage with staff and trade unions over any future changes to in-person working arrangements. “We look forward to working with the employer to ensure future policy reflects the realities of modern working and works for staff,” she said.

NHS England will also launch a formal consultation in October to consider how its estate should be used as it is absorbed into the Department for Health and Social Care. //