Dudley Council staff should return to office, leader says

"It's not about change, it's about returning to normality, it's about returning to the real world. People did have to change their habits during the [Covid-19] pandemic but that is now gone and it is vital the whole world goes back to normal and that includes working in the office. I don't believe any workforce, not just our own, is completely and utterly productive when they are working from home. I also don't believe it is good for people's mental health."

"A consequence of a return to the office is the associated costs, the cost of parking which can amount to £800 a year for our lowest-paid staff given the fact that many council buildings do not have their own car parks."

"This isn't about resisting change, it's about ensuring that change is fair, lawful, and respectful of the people who keep this council running every single day."

Council leadership stated that staff had been briefed correctly and that buildings are safe. The leadership framed returning to the office as a restoration of normality after pandemic-era habit changes. The leadership expressed skepticism about full productivity from home and raised concerns about remote work harming mental health. Councillors highlighted financial burdens for lower-paid staff, noting parking costs can reach about £800 annually where buildings lack car parks. The leader committed to reviewing the consultation process with staff and unions to ensure any changes are fair, lawful, and respectful to council employees.

Read at BBC News