Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions she has had with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) NHS Scotland on a fuller return to office-based working for her Department's staff based in Scotland.

Since the start of the pandemic, DWP has rigorously followed advice from the respective governments in the devolved nations – allowing people to work safely from the office, or at home. We are committed to continuing this approach. Whilst there is regular engagement with the Scottish Government, the Secretary of State has not held specific discussions, including with NHS Scotland, on returning colleagues to the workplace in DWP as this is being undertaken in strict accordance with Scottish Government guidance.