PCS, the civil service’s biggest union, has called on the government to scrap the 60% office attendance mandate for departmental officials amid rising living costs linked to the war in Iran.
The union warned that the conflict in Iran and the wider region risks pushing up energy prices, fuel costs and food bills, "placing further strain on public sector workers already facing a prolonged cost-of-living crisis".
It said ministers should "act now to mitigate the impact, including scrapping the 60% office attendance requirement to help reduce costs for both workers and departments".
PCS said petrol and diesel prices have already risen by 9% and 17% respectively, with energy bills forecasted to increase by up to 20% by the summer, and noted that food prices are also expected to rise significantly, according to the National Farmers Union.
It said these pressures "will disproportionately affect civil servants, many of whom are already struggling with low pay".
The union also pointed to recommendations from the International Energy Agency, which has advised governments to encourage a reduction in energy consumption, including through increased home working, to help limit the impact of rising global energy costs.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Rising global tensions is pushing up costs for workers who are already struggling to make ends meet.
“The government’s office attendance policy is out of step with what’s currently happening in the world, and the impact this is having on staff.
“If its people come first, it must prepare to adapt its approach in response to events like this and scrap the 60% mandate which would provide immediate relief to our members and help reduce costs.”
The Cabinet Office, which oversees HR policy for the civil service, said there was no change in position on the 60% rule.