NSW Premier Chris Minns' controversial end to government employees working from home has sparked tension with his uncle,who is the deputy secretary of the health department.
The premier said on Monday that all public servants would be required to return to the office from Tuesday,putting an end to work from home arrangements introduced in 2019.
Limited flexibility will still be permitted in some cases such as in job-share arrangements or compressed hours,but most workers will return to the office full-time.
Mr Minns' uncle,Phil Minns,who has been NSW Health's Deputy Secretary since 2017,emailed staff on Monday afternoon to say WFH arrangements were still possible.
'Please note the availability of flexible work arrangements are not changed by this Circular,' he said,the Daily Telegraph reported.
'In line with most contemporary workplaces,we recognise flexible arrangements help attract and retain talented people,particularly with career responsibilities and other commitments outside of work.
'We value the diversity of our workforce and recognise the benefits of flexibility,while also urging us to maintain an inclusive workforce.'
Phil said the mandate stated the government's 'starting position is that work is principally done in an approved workplace in NSW' but it did not set out a strict pattern of attendance.
Mr Minns' uncle,emailed staff on Monday afternoon to say WFH arrangements were still possible
A spokesperson for the NSW government said the health department,like other agencies,would implement the new mandate.
'Staff have been advised of the new memorandum,' they said.
'Work is underway to implement the memorandum and ensure NSW Health policies align with it.'
Formal approvals and agreements including the reason and circumstance for a staffer to work from home must be given before they can do so under the mandate.
'Government sector agencies are expected to have flexible work policies that meet reasonable requests of employees,but the default arrangement is to work principally in an approved workplace,office or related work site,' the mandate reads.
'Individual agencies will be responsible for designing and monitoring their policies.'
Transport NSW secretary Josh Murray is also seemingly not in favour,telling staff a working group would be set up to ensure flexible work arrangements were still possible.
'We value our people who work in many different locations and environments across NSW and will continue to support flexible work arrangements in line with the policies and circular,' Mr Murray said,the publication reported.
'If you're a frontline worker,this will have little to no impact on how you work.
'For our people currently hybrid working,please continue as usual while we examine the new requirements via the working group.'
Chris Minns
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