The UK Home Office has drawn criticism after offering civil servants discounted massages during working hours, a move that coincides with escalating crises including increased migrant boat crossings and public disorder. A notification from the in-house beauty clinic, '2MS', informed staff of a September offer for five 30-minute massages at £145.
The private clinic, located in the Home Office basement and reportedly in operation for over 15 years, is accessible only to department employees. It operates Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., meaning treatments are available during official work hours.
Conservative shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the offer, stating it was "completely absurd" given the recent influx of 625 migrants crossing the channel. He argued that civil servants should be focused on border security and deportation processes rather than receiving massages during work time.
Reform UK's Danny Kruger echoed this sentiment, describing the offer as a "snapshot of Whitehall's terminal lethargy" amidst the arrival of illegal migrants. William Yarwood of the Taxpayers' Alliance added that officials should be addressing departmental crises, not taking time for discounted treatments, which he suggested mocks taxpayers.
A former department official also voiced disapproval, suggesting that civil servants should prioritize their duties over beauty treatments during the workday.
The 2MS clinic, established in 2009, offers various treatments including manicures for £41.50 and Swedish massages for £61 per hour. Shorter treatments like a 15-minute facial are available for £27, and Lycon waxing services are also offered.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that the department does not fund or manage the 2MS business, which is part of privately-run fitness facilities within the 2 Marsham Street complex. The spokesperson emphasized that civil servants are permitted to use the services but only during their personal time, not during official working hours, a policy that has reportedly been in place under successive governments since the clinic's opening.