Jacob Rees-Mogg’s push to get civil servants working in the office again has been backed by No 10 despite the 'Dickensian' move proving controversial with other government ministers. Mr Rees-Mogg, the minister responsible for government efficiency, has written to other members of the Cabinet, calling on them to issue a clear message to staff about a “rapid return to the office”.
He has also reportedly been leaving notes in empty Whitehall workspaces with the message: “I look forward to seeing you in the office very soon.” However, his drive to get civil servants back at their desks has already been criticised by other high-ranking politicians - most notably Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
The Times reported that Ms Dorries’ disapproved of Mr Rees-Mogg’s approach, describing it as 'Dickensian'. Mr Rees-Mogg presented figures to Cabinet last week showing that some Government departments were using as little as 25 per cent of office capacity in early April.
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Ms Dorries told him his letter to government departments brought to mind “images of burning tallow, rheumy eyes and Marley’s ghost” – a reference to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The Times reported she said: “There’s a whiff of something Dickensian about it.
"Why are we measuring bodies behind desks? Why aren’t we measuring productivity?”
However, one government source told the PA news agency that the dispute between the two was “good natured”. Downing Street has also insisted that Prime Minister Boris Johnson supports Mr Rees-Mogg’s efforts.
“What the minister is seeking to achieve is to do everything possible to get the civil service to return to the pre-pandemic level,” the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said. "That is what he is seeking to do.
"That is supported by the Cabinet Secretary and obviously the Prime Minister.” Asked if the notes left on desks by Mr Rees-Mogg were helpful, the spokesman said Mr Johnson “supports any initiative that encourages people to return to pre-pandemic working”.
“We are not talking about putting an end to flexible working, which continues to have a place in the modern workplace, we are talking about returning to pre-pandemic use of taxpayer-funded departmental buildings.”
Mr Rees-Mogg would not comment on the reported divisions among government ministers, citing Cabinet confidentiality rules. He told PA: “If it’s leaks from Cabinet, I’ll comment under the 30-year rule when we’re all a little bit older.”
Unions meanwhile have objected to Mr Rees-Mogg’s approach, with Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants, warning that “good people will leave and the civil service brand is trashed in a highly competitive employment market”.
