Date for implementation of 40% office attendance policy: FOI release

Information requested

My query relates to the '40% attendance in the office' policy for core Scottish Government staff that was recently announced. It is stated this policy is to be in place from October.

1. Can you please confirm the exact date of implementation?

2. Can you confirm whether the implementation date will now be delayed due to the delay in the publication of accompanying guidance that senior management committed to publishing in good time before this policy is put in place?

Response

Firstly, you asked for us to confirm the exact date of implementation.

From October 2025, colleagues will be expected to spend 40% of their time working in person with colleagues in our buildings or with stakeholders. We have been clear in internal communications that this is “from October”.

You also asked us to confirm whether the implementation date will now be delayed due to the delay in the publication of accompanying guidance that senior management committed to publishing in good time before this policy is put in place?

I can confirm that there will be no delay to implementation of the revised policy and will be operational as planned from October 2025.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.