Jacob Rees-Mogg’s push to get civil servants working in the office again has been backed by No 10 despite the 'Dickensian' move proving controversial with other government ministers. Mr Rees-Mogg, the minister responsible for government efficiency, has written to other members of the Cabinet, calling on them to issue a clear message to staff about a “rapid return to the office”.
He has also reportedly been leaving notes in empty Whitehall workspaces with the message: “I look forward to seeing you in the office very soon.” However, his drive to get civil servants back at their desks has already been criticised by other high-ranking politicians - most notably Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
The Times reported that Ms Dorries’ disapproved of Mr Rees-Mogg’s approach, describing it as 'Dickensian'. Mr Rees-Mogg presented figures to Cabinet last week showing that some Government departments were using as little as 25 per cent of office capacity in early April.
