Despite warnings about supply-chain problems over Christmas due to driver shortages, a third of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), staff are still working from home.
Even though there are delays processing nearly 30,000 HGV license applications, government workers are not returning home.
Last night, Joe Ventre, digital campaign manager for the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘Taxpayers don’t appreciate being made to pay for empty desks.
‘As flexible working becomes more popular, Government agencies have a duty to ensure objectives are met and ramp up efficiencies where possible.
Figures reveal that 2,000 staff, who issue and renew drivers’ licences, at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) headquarters in Swansea are still working from home (stock image)
Figures released last week revealed the number of empty desks at DVLA headquarters in Swansea – where the Welsh government guidance is still to work from home if possible.
About 2,000 staff, who issue and renew drivers’ licences, are still working from home all week.
The department declined to say how many of its 6,000 employees have returned to the office full time, rather than working from home.
However, 1,389 staff – or 28.5 per cent of the workforce – are permanently working from home at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), based in Bristol. This agency is responsible for driving tests, including those for lorry drivers.
This comes despite delays in processing almost 30,000 HGV licence applications as well as warnings of supply-chain issues over Christmas because of driver shortages (stock image)
Last night, the agency was also unable to tell how many staff had returned to work full-time. In England, the guidance regarding work-from home was lifted in July.
Within the past six months, 58 days of strikes were staged by unions at the DVLA. These strikes were triggered by concerns about safety in the headquarters and social distancing.
Last night, a DVLA spokesman said: ‘Staff in roles that enable them to work from home are doing so and have throughout the pandemic in accordance with Welsh government guidance.
‘Operational staff, including those who process applications for vocational driving licences, are required to be in the office.’
A DVSA spokesman said the agency was ‘satisfied that all colleagues currently working from home are able to provide a full service’ to its customers.