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Civil servants threaten to strike over demands they get back to the office
The Scottish Government plans to require its core civil servants to work in the office for at least 40 per cent of the week from Monday, prompting the PCS union to ballot members on possible strike action. The dispute matters because it puts the future of hybrid working and the government’s approach to managing its workforce at issue.
The ballot will run until 14 December and includes staff at Social Security Scotland, Community Justice Scotland, Transport Scotland and Disclosure Scotland, as well as core government employees. The 40 per cent target, equivalent to two days a week for full-time staff, had been requested since October 2025; senior civil servants face a 60 per cent requirement. PCS says the government has not justified the target and objects to potential disciplinary action, while Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has urged ministers to proceed with bringing staff back into taxpayer-funded offices.
In short
- PCS members will vote on possible strike action.
- Core staff face a two-day-a-week office requirement.
- The ballot also covers several Scottish public bodies.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A minimum office presence could support collaboration, mentoring and quicker coordination, particularly for teams whose work benefits from face-to-face contact. Ministers also have a responsibility to manage public services and publicly funded workplaces effectively, and a consistent attendance expectation may help them do so.
The case against
Staff may be able to deliver public services just as effectively through hybrid working, while avoiding unnecessary commuting and retaining flexibility that can support wellbeing and recruitment. A fixed attendance rule, especially if backed by discipline, should be supported by clear evidence that it improves services; without that justification, the union can reasonably argue for negotiation rather than compulsion.