After Nigel Farage, the party’s leader, said that he would create ‘efficiency units’ in each authority after last week’s local election results in England saw Reform UK win control of 10 councils there is a ban for staff to work from home.
Farage said to the BBC on Friday: “We’re deeply unhappy with the way county councils and unitaries have managed their budgets in Britain.”
We look at the many millions of dollars spent annually on consultants. We examine the money spent on climate changes; areas where county councils shouldn’t be involved.
He said Reform will “get auditors in”, review long-term contracts, and impose “a change of culture”. He said: “No work at home, increased productivity.” It won’t work for every problem but it’s a start. We’ll be judged by that.
Reforms took over 10 local councils, including Co Durham and Kent. Staffordshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire.
Farage said that any DEI roles would be eliminated if his party were to take control.
He said on Friday: “I’d advise anyone who works for Durham County Council in climate change initiatives, diversity, equity, and inclusion, or… other things, that you continue working from home. I think all of you better be looking for alternative careers very quickly.”
Reform has since been accused of hypocrisy, after it was revealed that the party currently advertises roles where working from home is essential. Reform UK’s regional director position, which pays PS50k per year, states that the job is “Home-based with some travel”.
Christina McAnea is the general secretary of Unison which represents 600 000 local government employees. She has called for workers to join their union in order to protect their rights.
She replied: “This isn’t the US. Workers in the UK are protected by laws against bad employers. Soon, employees will be even better protected from unscrupulous employers when the new employment rights of the government are implemented.”
She stated that Reform MPs consistently voted against the new measures. “Unions exist to make sure that no one can get away with breaking the law. Sign up if you are a staff member of a council now under Reform’s control.
“Nigel Farage, and the new councillors of his party, have a lot to learn about local governance. They will quickly learn that there is nothing more to cut, and many authorities are on the brink of financial collapse.
As Mr Farage said, “Most local governments would love to do their core work.” They simply do not have the staff or resources to even do that.”
In December, The Telegraph gathered the policies on working from home of 88 of England’s councils. 86 of those councils said that they allow staff to work from home at least one day per week. 26 other councils allowed it up to three days a week.
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