Scottish Civil Servants Offered Buyouts Amid Return-to-Office Mandate
Thousands of senior civil servants are eligible for significant severance packages as part of a reform plan, even as the government mandates increased in-office work.
Senior civil servants in Scotland are being offered substantial financial incentives to leave their positions as part of a public sector reform initiative, while other employees face requirements to increase their in-office presence. Officials earning over £62,000 are eligible for a voluntary exit scheme that provides one month's pay for each year of service, capped at a maximum of 21 months.
The scheme, reported by ITV Border, targets 'C band' officials and those in the senior civil service. This initiative is a component of reforms promised by John Swinney in his government's program.
The move comes as the Scottish government is simultaneously enforcing a return to the office for civil servants. Starting November 9, all civil servants will be required to work from the office for at least 40% of their work week. This requirement will increase to 60% for more senior officials. Employees will use a self-reporting tool to track their locations, and failure to meet the in-office mandate could result in the removal of hybrid working privileges. Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin stated in an email that he believes a balanced hybrid approach offers significant value.
These developments follow revelations that the overall size of Scotland's public sector has continued to expand. Between June 2025 and June 2026, an additional 6,640 public sector employees were hired, bringing the total to 603,800.
Max Bannerman, public service reform spokesman for Reform UK Scotland, criticized the buyout scheme, stating, "This frivolity proves the SNP is not serious about slimming down the public service in order to plug the gaping hole in our national finances." He added, "The SNP knows they have a job to do so it’s beyond time they get on with doing it."
A Scottish Government spokesman commented on the voluntary exit scheme, explaining that it aims to support the goal of a "smaller and more focused organisation" by offering eligible staff the opportunity to leave on agreed terms. The terms will consider business needs, workforce priorities, affordability, and the necessity of retaining critical skills.
Regarding the hybrid working policy, the spokesman confirmed that since October 2025, core Scottish Government staff below Senior Civil Service Grade have been asked to work in-person for at least 40% of the week. This requirement is becoming mandatory from November 9, with senior civil servants facing a 60% in-person work requirement. The policy followed a formal consultation with the Council of Scottish Government Unions.