Scotland's main government headquarters, Victoria Quay in Edinburgh, which can accommodate up to 2,200 employees, saw only 36 staff arrive at their desks before 9 a.m. on a recent weekday, a snapshot survey found. By 9:30 a.m., the number had risen to 50.
This low turnout occurred despite a pledge made by First Minister John Swinney in May of the previous year, requiring civil servants to return to the office at least two days a week to improve productivity. Swinney had stated that Scotland's approximately 9,000 civil servants would be mandated to work 40% of their week in the office, with a desire to increase this further.
Politicians and advocacy groups have criticized the situation, labeling it an "astonishing waste of taxpayers' money" and urging action to ensure highly paid government staff return to their offices to enhance public service delivery. The TaxPayers' Alliance noted the significant costs associated with running the underused office, highlighting the contrast with working families and the impact on public services.
Victoria Quay houses staff from departments responsible for education, environment, transport, and planning. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the office was reportedly busy and fully staffed. However, widespread remote working became the norm for the core government departments' civil servants during the pandemic, and many have not returned even four years after restrictions ended.
Government figures indicate that the occupancy rate at Victoria Quay in June was 27.1%, leaving over two-thirds of desks empty. The building's running costs for 2024-25 reached a record £2.4 million, including substantial amounts for maintenance, repairs, and electricity.
In response to criticism, the Scottish Government stated its commitment to "flexible hybrid working" and is adapting by consolidating office space and closing underused buildings. Since 2023, fourteen buildings have reportedly been closed to increase efficiency in existing facilities.
In contrast to the public sector, a growing number of private companies are moving away from remote working, with concerns raised about the erosion of creativity, social skills, and motivation among workers.