Civil Service Contract change.

[Mavan1984]

Hi all,

I need some advice please.

I started working for a Civil Service department as a contracted homeworker during covid. I applied for the role specifically because of the WFH contract.

The department had a permissive working environment and even the office workers were never required to go into the office.

Two years ago I applied for a promotion and got the job. I didn't want to give up my WFH contract so I spoke to HR about it and they reassured me that because our department operated a permissive environment I would be fine to continue working from home. I took the promotion and have been WFH ever since.

Unfortunately this changed a few months ago when we were told that those on office contracts would now be required to go into the office 60% of the time.

I spoke to my manager about it and she said I can apply for a contract change requesting a WFH contract but it's very tough to get one and there is no guarantee.

I am gutted because I love my job and want to continue working for the CS but there is no way I will be able to manage 60%. This is due to my mental health, caring responsibilities, distance from the office and other commitments. In hindsight I should have stuck to my old job with the WFH contract.

I now need to put a formal request in asking for a contract change but I don't know where to start- is anyone able to advise?

Thanks

I’m a civil servant and there should be guidance on your department’s intranet on how to do this. Or failing that, ask HR. Processes tend to vary a bit from department to department, at least the paperwork does.

My department is very clear they do not offer permanent home working contracts. However it is possible to come into the office for much less than the 60% if it’s a reasonable adjustment for health reasons (usually following an occupational health assessment) or if you have a carers passport. These may also be an option to pursue. However they do not alter your contract. (Distance to office and ‘other commitments’ won’t be considered though)

When you applied for the promotion on Civil Service Jobs, what was listed under location? When you accepted the job and got an agreement in place to WFH, did you get this in writing, do you have an email trail? Is there a location enhancement relating to a location, such as London weighting? Have you spoken to your GP and mental health team, if you have one, about if they consider you fit to work in the office for some of the time, say 1-2 days pw? After you have discussed this with a health professional, I would request an Occupational Health Assessment.