Civil Servants to Work from Home, Thanks to Olympics

Employers in the United Kingdom are reacting negatively to the announcement that civil servants would be allowed to work from home during the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. The work arrangement would last for seven weeks. 

Businesses said the move is sending the wrong message to the rest of the nation. According to Federation of Small Business’ Pierre Williams, many workers from the private sector are surprised with the announcement. 

At a time when the government is encouraging the British people to work harder, civil servants are then allowed to work from home. 

The special dispensation covers the period from July 21 to Sept. 9. It aims to reduce transportation chaos expected from the influx of people attending the Olympics and Paralympics. 

The Business Services Association said seven weeks is such a long time for civil servants to work from home. The group also questions whether they would be able to do efficient and effective government work from home. 

Cities of London and Westminster MP Mark Field echoed the same sentiment, saying the move sends the wrong message. 

A spokesman from David Cameron’s office, however, refuted claims of inefficiency, saying civil servants would not be skiving during the seven weeks. The spokesman said civil servants are encouraged to plan their activities in advance and to consider varied work and travel patterns to avoid the chaos of the two events.

The spokesman added that it makes a lot of sense for some people to work from home rather than brace the mad rush. He insisted that Whitehall will not shut down because of the special dispensation.