Can we insist that we work from home?

[lifesabitchandthenyoudie]

I live in Scotland, and work in social care. Before Christmas we were all required to be in the office if not supporting someone. I have been challenging this and a few other things but have been told it's necessary - which it's not, for the most part. Given the new lockdown, are we within our rights to insist that we will work from home whenever not doing essential work? We aren't being given duties or specific tasks to perform, I'm thinking of asking what work we're supposed to be doing in the office. We're expected back tomorrow, I'm thinking of going in to do the bit I have to then coming home... Anyone know where I'd stand? Thanks

Not sure where you stand legally OP as I'm in England but if you have all the IT equipment and can do it from home they really should allow it.

Personally, I would gather your coworkers and discuss it as a team, then take it to management as a team. Strength in numbers and all that jazz.

Good point, problem is it's council... so a lot of their IT stuff is only on their own equipment. However at my level I haven't got much stuff like that I can do, just training really that I can do on my own laptop! But that adds weight to the point, really, doesn't it! Trying to get the coworkers to agree is a good idea; it can be difficult as I seem to be the only one to stick my head above the parapet, but it's certainly worth a go!