More computer screen monitors have been purchased by one department for home working after July than before the general election, figures show.
Man looking at screen during computer call at home. (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of overseeing a “two-tier economy” with many civil servants working from home.
Department for Business and Trade (DBT) officials bought 199 computer screen monitors under the Home Working Equipment Policy between July and November at a cost of £31,898.92 to taxpayers.
This compares to 127 monitors in the five months before the election for a price tag of £21,667.23.
Tory MP Andrew Griffith said: “As private businesses up and down the country scrimp and sweat in the wake of Labour’s budget, officials at the Department for Business are making themselves comfortable working from home in ever-increasing numbers.
“Talk about a two-tier economy – you couldn’t make it up.”
DBT has bought 353 monitors this year under the home working scheme for £58,349.34.
Forty-five were bought in November, 62 in October and 39 in September.
This compares to between 20 and 30 for each month before the election.
UK civil servants are expected to spend at least 60% of their time in the office or on official business.
However, reports have suggested that some ministers take a “flexible and pragmatic” approach to the rule.
In October, the Cabinet Office said: “Guidance on office attendance will remain in place, with most civil servants expected to spend at least 60% of their time at a Government building or on official business, such as visiting stakeholders.
“Heads of Departments across government have agreed that the Civil Service is best able to deliver for the people it serves by taking a consistent approach to in-office working.
“Heads of Department have agreed that 60% minimum office attendance for most staff continues to be the best balance of working for the Civil Service. Senior managers will continue to be expected to be in the office more than 60% of the time.”
A DBT spokeswoman said: “We are fully focused on delivering for the public, driving economic growth and putting more money in people’s pockets.
“The department supports officials with the necessary tools to ensure they can help deliver the much-needed change that working people across the country deserve.”
