Remote Work in Public Sector – Is It Here to Stay or a Passing Trend?

The debate around remote work in the UK public sector is heating up, with recent shifts in local councils now coming under Reform UK's leadership pushing for a full return to the office. But is this the right call? While the benefits of hybrid and remote work in public sector services — such as increased productivity, cost savings, and better employee well-being — are clear, the risks of losing valuable in-person collaboration cannot be ignored. With councils already facing challenges in infrastructure and employee morale, the push for a rigid return to the office may create more problems than it solves. Instead, a flexible hybrid model, supported by the right technology, could offer the balance needed to improve efficiency while maintaining employee satisfaction. It's time for a more nuanced approach to remote work — one that prioritises both flexibility and collaboration for the benefit of public services and communities.