Question NW2508 to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
16 September 2022 - NW2508
Mulder, Mr FJ to ask the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition
(1)(a) What (i) total number of employees of his department are currently working from home, (ii) number of such employees have special permission to work from home and (iii) are the reasons for granting such special permission and (b) on what date will such workers return to their respective offices; (2) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
A directive for all departmental senior managers (SMS members) to return to office was issued on 26 and 27 January 2022. The Department of Public Service and Administration issued a directive for all government officials to return to office with effect from 1 July 2022. This directive was communicated to the dtic officials on the same day.
I have been advised that a snap survey was conducted in early September 2022 which the Department says indicated that that six employees out of a total staff complement of 1 197 were working remotely. Five officials submitted medical certificates to support their request to work remotely and one person was incapacitated due to a motor vehicle accident. Subject to their medical condition, three officials will return within the next four months, whereas the remaining three are undergoing continuous assessment to determine when they are able to return.
I have asked the Department to prepare a further review of attendance to ensure that there is compliance with the policies and that attendance information is correctly reflected.
(2) No statement on this matter will be made as the information is provided above.
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